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 this historic rivalry following just a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

The contest remains alive, but it's perilously close. If England don't win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was a lot of doubt in this country about the way the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

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

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

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

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

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

Certainly, these factors prove simpler when a team secures victories, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

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

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must to do something about it.

I hold no problems with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

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

Had England had been told they would face an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

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

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

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

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

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because key players are coming back. They cannot get complacent.

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

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