The English Must to Win Upcoming Test or Series Will Get Embarrassing - McGrath

Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

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

I got a close look of England's approach during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a series down under, there was considerable doubt 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 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 being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

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

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had some huge personalities - 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 pulled together due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we had as a group.

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

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler when a team secures victories, 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" yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It was almost that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to their game, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must to do something about it.

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the element of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits significant credit for their performance.

If England been informed they would play an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with all of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective is the shift in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could 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 mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems 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 some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it can win each match it contests, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.