The English Need to Win Next Match or Ashes Will Get Embarrassing - McGrath

Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by England in the first Test in Perth, before executing a remarkable reversal.

It put them on a wave of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, but it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a young player, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler when a team is winning, which England are not doing 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 that England had decided pitches must conform to their game, instead of England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must to do something to address them.

I hold no problems with what 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 behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can add the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

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

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

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

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

An Australia team should always think it can win every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

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