England's Need to Triumph in Upcoming Match or Series Will Get Humiliating - McGrath

Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test at the WACA, before executing an incredible reversal.

It put them on a wave of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

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

I got an intimate view of England's approach during the last Ashes series in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

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

Even as a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served 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 all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler when a team secures victories, a scenario England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had decided pitches must conform to their game, instead of England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

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

I hold no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

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

If England been informed they would face an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

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

Australian Standouts

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

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

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

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in English speedster 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 men. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication involved in coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this series. They will be devastated.

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

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they have England by the throat and should not relent merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning every Test it contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.