England's Must to Triumph in Next Match or Series Could Become Embarrassing - McGrath

Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If England don't win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, existed a lot of scepticism in this country concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence 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 what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

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

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

Examining the Approach

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

It was almost as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, rather than England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must take action to address them.

I hold no problems with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I like the aspect of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

If England been informed they would face an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

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

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

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

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

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

The Final Word

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

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it can win each match it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

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