England's Must to Win Next Test or Series Will Get Embarrassing - McGrath

Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, before executing an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave England a lesson in how to play the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the limits of potential.

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 hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

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

Admittedly, these factors are easier while a side secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It was almost as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must take action to address them.

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I support the element of playing without fear. Provided 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 merits significant credit of credit.

If England had been told they would face an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

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

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective has been the shift within the top order.

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

That discussion has been settled, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from injuries, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and should not relent just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it can win each match it plays, therefore this team should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.