The English Must to Triumph in Upcoming Test or Ashes Will Get Embarrassing - McGrath

Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in this historic rivalry following just a mere six days of play.

They were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

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

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the talk regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australians who were sceptical about England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and flexibility all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler when a team is winning, which England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

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

Finally, in the aftermath of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they must take action about it.

I have no problems with the statements the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can add the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

If England been informed they would play an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That debate has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

This represents a great shame for both men. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

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

On this occasion, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up merely because key players are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.