England's Need to Win Upcoming Test or Ashes Could Become Humiliating - McGrath

Not in Australia's wildest dreams would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of play.

They were placed under severe pressure by England in the first Test at the WACA, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave England a lesson in how to play Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

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

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

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

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

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I admire about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the boundaries of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players excel when challenged, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the dressing room."

Even as a young player, I felt like I had permission to have my say. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held consequences from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we shared, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility all came together when we stepped on to the field as a team.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler while a side secures victories, which England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It seemed as if England had decided pitches must conform to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to suit the 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 to do something about it.

I have no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

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

And yet, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia has been the change within the top order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just a debate about one area - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion is now resolved, just not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open 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 cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to draw the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and should not relent merely because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it can win each match it contests, so for that reason this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

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