The English Need to Triumph in Upcoming Test or Ashes Could Become Humiliating - McGrath

Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this Ashes series following just a mere six days of cricket.

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

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the limits of what is possible.

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

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

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

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we spent together.

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

Admittedly, all of these things prove simpler while a side is winning, which England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, instead of England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need to do something to address them.

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I support the element of playing without fear. If England can add the elements of pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

Had England been informed they would face an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

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

Australian Standouts

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

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

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia is the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, just not in a way anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide 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 recovering from setbacks, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because key players are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it can win every Test it contests, therefore this squad should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

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