England's Need to Triumph in Upcoming Match or Series Could Become Humiliating - McGrath

Beyond Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by England during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they gave England a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If England fail to win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained an intimate view of England's approach throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, existed a lot of scepticism in this country about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australians who were sceptical about England are seeing their views validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the captain and senior players who always ran the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they faced consequences by the other players. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

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

Certainly, these factors are easier while a side is winning, which England are not doing at this moment.

A Culture in Question

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

It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, rather than the team adjusting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

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

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

I hold no problems with what the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I like the element of competing without fear. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

If England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off a win in Brisbane with each of their remaining players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery from an Australian perspective is the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared 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 could find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this series. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they have England by the throat and must not let up just because key players are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning every Test it plays, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

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