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

Not in Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of cricket.

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

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to finally win a series down under, existed considerable doubt in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

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

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions 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 accountability, obligation and adaptability all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a unit.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler when a team secures victories, which England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had decided conditions had to adapt to them, instead of the team adjusting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

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

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I like the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

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

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

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with all of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, simply not in a way anyone expected.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort involved in recovering from setbacks, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They are aware England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because some big names are coming back. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it can win each match it contests, therefore this team ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England understands they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.