England's Must to Triumph in Next Test or Series Could Become Embarrassing - McGrath

Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current Ashes series after playing only six days of cricket.

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

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a lesson on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, but it's perilously close. If England don't win the third Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a victory in Australia, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

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

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

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I like about England's attitude. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members to account.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to have my say. 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 someone made an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler when a team is winning, which England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

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

It was almost as if England had concluded pitches must conform to them, instead of the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need to do something about it.

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

If England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with glee.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, supported by Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance 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 discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully 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 certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they have England by the throat and should not let up just because some big names are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

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