The English Need to Win Upcoming Match or Series Will Get Humiliating - McGrath

Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just a mere six days of play.

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

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's not far from it. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australians who were sceptical about England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them push the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

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

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler while a side secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

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

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

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

I have no issue with what the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing without fear. If England can add the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

Had England been informed they would play an Australia team without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition 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 discovery for Australia has been the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

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

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it plays, therefore this team should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.