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

Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in this Ashes series following just a mere six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass on playing Test cricket, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, but it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the talk about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed considerable doubt in this country about the way England play.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the limits of potential.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even as a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability all came together as we walked on to the field as a unit.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, instead of England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must take action about it.

I hold no issue with what the England leaders said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I like the aspect of playing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

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

Had England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with each of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia has been the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was only really one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

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

Khawaja might face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

This time, they have England by the throat and should not relent just because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it contests, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to 5-0.