The English Need to Triumph in Upcoming Match or Series Could Become Embarrassing - McGrath

Beyond the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in this historic rivalry following just a mere six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by England during the opener at the WACA, before executing a remarkable reversal.

It put them on a wave of confidence heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a masterclass on playing Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's not far from it. 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 discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory down under, there was considerable scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them to extend the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and John Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I had permission to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held accountable by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained 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 accountability, obligation and flexibility all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

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

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks accountability.

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

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

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must to do something to address them.

I have no problems with what the England leaders made publicly after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of Bazball? Like I said, I support the element of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

If England had been told they would face an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with all of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been exceptionally brilliant, supported by Neser, Boland and Doggett.

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

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective is the shift in the batting order.

Before the series, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I stated there was only really one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

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

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into recovering from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to play a full part in this contest. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, with something in it for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They are aware England poses a threat.

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

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

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be 5-0.