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

Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry after playing only six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

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

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view at England's style during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

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

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, obligation 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, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

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

It seemed as if England had decided pitches must conform to them, instead of England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must to do something about it.

I hold no issue with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they might still be on to something.

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

If England had been told they would play an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

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

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

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

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective is the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

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

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England by the throat and should not let up just because some big names are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win every Test it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.