England's Must to Win Upcoming Match or Ashes Will Get Humiliating - McGrath

Not in Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them push 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 the best teams ensure members are accountable.

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

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

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

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility 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 currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England was the message 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, rather than England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

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

I hold no problems with what 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 more even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the element of competing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

If England had been told they would play an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

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

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia is the change 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 one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I know the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not relent merely because key players are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it can win every Test it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.