England's Must to Win Upcoming Match or Ashes Could Become Embarrassing - McGrath

Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing only six days of play.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was a lot of doubt in this country concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

Right now, all 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 push the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we shared, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability collectively manifested as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler while a side is winning, which England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

It was almost that England had decided pitches must conform to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must take action about it.

I hold no problems with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I like the element of competing without fear. If England can add the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

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

Had England had been told they would face an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective is the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

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

The Final Word

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

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and must not let up just because key players are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it plays, therefore this team should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.