The English Must to Triumph in Next Test or Series Could Become Humiliating - McGrath

Not in Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current Ashes series following just only six days of play.

They were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, before executing an incredible reversal.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a lesson on playing Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, but 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 during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, there was a lot of scepticism in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

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

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested 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 right now.

A Culture in Question

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

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

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

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

I hold 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 an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I like the aspect of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

If England had been told they would face an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia has been the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

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

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not let up merely because key players are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

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