The English Need to Triumph in Next Test or Ashes Will Get Embarrassing - McGrath

Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing only six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off an incredible turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a lesson in how to play the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got an intimate view at England's style during the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, there was considerable scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

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

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained several dominant characters - 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 used to say we united because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things are easier when a team is winning, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

My concern for England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It seemed that England had concluded pitches must conform to them, instead of the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need take action to address them.

I have no problems with what the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing without fear. If England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

Had England had been told they would face an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

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

Key Performers for Australia

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Boland and Doggett.

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

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia is the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance 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 could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean 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 effort involved in recovering from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, 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 should always think it is capable of winning every Test it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.