The English Must to Win Next Match or Series Could Become Embarrassing - Legendary Bowler

Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by England during the opener in Perth, before executing a remarkable reversal.

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

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got a close look at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

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

Even as a young player, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - 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 united because of the love we shared, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

Certainly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It was almost that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must take action to address them.

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the element of competing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

If England been informed they would play an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective is the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate has been settled, simply not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

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

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and should not relent merely because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning each match it plays, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.