The English Must to Triumph in Upcoming Test or Ashes Could Become Humiliating - McGrath

Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry after playing only six days of cricket.

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

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave England a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, but it's not far from it. If England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look at England's style during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory down under, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the limits of potential.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we spent together.

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

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler when a team secures victories, which England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

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

It was almost as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need to do something about it.

I hold no issue with the statements 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 forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

If England had been told they would play an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

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

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia has been the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this series. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not let up merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore 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 5-0.