England's Need to Triumph in Next Test or Series Will Get Humiliating - Legendary Bowler

Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in this historic rivalry following just a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got an intimate view of England's approach during the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series down under, there was considerable scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the limits of potential.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

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

Even as a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

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

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need take action to address them.

I have no issue with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

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.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with each of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective has been the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate has been settled, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

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

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.