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

Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of play.

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

It put them riding a crest of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, but it's perilously close. If England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory down under, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the limits of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were support staff like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they were held accountable by the other players. If someone made a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we shared, such was the amount of time we spent together.

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

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

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

It seemed that England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, rather than England adapting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears the penny has dropped.

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

I have no issue with the statements the English leadership made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

Had England been informed they would face an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Michael Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective has been the shift in the batting order.

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

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment 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, it appears to be the opportunity for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, 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 third Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this series. They will be devastated.

Adelaide will be a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down 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 just because key players are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it is capable of winning every Test it contests, so for that reason this team should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England understands they are compelled but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.