England's Need to Win Next Test or Ashes Will Get Humiliating - McGrath

Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this Ashes series following just a mere six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, however, it's not far from it. If England fail to win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was considerable doubt in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we shared, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility all came together as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler when a team secures victories, which England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had decided pitches must conform to their game, rather than England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need to do something to address them.

I hold no issue with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

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

And yet, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia is the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate is now resolved, just not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty 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 England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and should 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 contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.