England's Must to Triumph in Next Test or Ashes Will Get Humiliating - McGrath

Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry after playing only six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, before executing a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, there was considerable scepticism in this country about the way England play.

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

Right now, all of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

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

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler when a team is winning, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

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

It seemed that England had decided pitches must conform to their game, rather than the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need to do something about it.

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

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of competing without fear. If England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

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

Had England had been told they would face an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with all of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia has been the change within the top order.

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

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not let up just because key players are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

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

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