The English Must to Win Next Test or Series Could Become Humiliating - McGrath

Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in this historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

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

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they gave the English side a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's perilously close. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I got a close look at England's style during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. For all of the discussion about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, there was considerable scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and find ways to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them push the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

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

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

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together due to the affection we shared, such was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability all came together as we walked on to the field as a team.

Certainly, these factors prove simpler while a side secures victories, a scenario England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

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

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

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must take action to address them.

I have no problems with the statements the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I like the element of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of pressure and accountability, then they may still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

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

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best display of keeping I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant discovery for Australia has been the shift within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in the manner anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury 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 opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into coming back from setbacks, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

On this occasion, they hold England in a stranglehold and must not let up merely because key players are returning. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australian side should always think it can win every Test it contests, therefore this squad ought to be aiming about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be 5-0.