England's Need to Win Next Match or Ashes Could Become Humiliating - McGrath

Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, however, it's not far from it. Should England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, there was considerable scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup 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 right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

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 our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

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

Certainly, these factors are easier when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It was almost that England had decided pitches must conform to them, instead of the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must to do something to address them.

I hold no problems with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong 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 like the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

If England been informed they would play an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with each of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping 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 within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

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

Khawaja could find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

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

An Australian side must always believe it can win every Test it contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.