The English Need to Triumph in Upcoming Match or Ashes Could Become Humiliating - Legendary Bowler

Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener in Perth, before executing a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave the English side a lesson on playing Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory down under, existed a lot of scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

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

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team secures victories, which England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must to do something about it.

I have no problems with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

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

And yet, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with all of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective has been the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate is now resolved, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and should not relent just because key players are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.