The English Must to Win Upcoming Test or Series Could Become Embarrassing - McGrath

Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test in Perth, before executing a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a lesson on playing Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, however, it's perilously close. Should England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a victory in Australia, there was considerable scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we spent together.

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

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, rather than the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need take action about it.

I hold no issue with what the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum 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 aspect of playing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

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

If England been informed they would play an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

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

Australian Standouts

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

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 Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested 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 rest of the series.

That is 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 play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

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

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and must not relent just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.