The English Need to Win Next Match or Series Could Become Humiliating - McGrath

Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just only six days of play.

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

It put them riding a crest of self-belief going into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a masterclass on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got an intimate view at England's style during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series down under, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

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

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

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility all came together when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

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

It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, instead of the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need take action about it.

I have no problems with what the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I support the element of competing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

If England been informed they would face an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with all of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, supported by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

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

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

On this occasion, they have England by the throat and must not relent merely because key players are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.