England's Need to Win Next Test or Series Could Become Humiliating - McGrath

Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just a mere six days of play.

They were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a lesson on playing Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look of England's approach during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a series down under, there was considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists a lot I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are not doing right now.

Examining the Approach

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 their game, instead of the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

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

I hold no issue with what the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

If England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with all of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, supported by Michael Neser, Scott 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 Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective is the change within the top order.

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

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

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

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not let up merely because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a five-nil whitewash.

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