The English Need to Triumph in Next Test or Series Could Become Humiliating - Legendary Bowler

Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just only six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by England during the opener in Perth, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. Should England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series down under, existed considerable doubt in this country about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they faced consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler while a side secures victories, a scenario England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had decided pitches must conform to their game, rather than the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need to do something about it.

I hold no issue with the statements the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the element of playing without fear. Provided England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

Had England had been told they would play an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia is the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they have England by the throat and should not relent merely because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it can win each match it contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.