England's Must to Triumph in Upcoming Test or Series Will Get Humiliating - Legendary Bowler

Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in this historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's perilously close. If England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them push the limits of potential.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things are easier when a team 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 that lacks accountability.

It was almost as if England had decided pitches must conform to their game, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must to do something to address them.

I have no problems with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. If 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 significant credit for their performance.

Had England had been told they would face an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective has been the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

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, it appears there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not relent merely because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it is capable of winning each match it plays, therefore this team ought to be aiming for a 5-0.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.