The English Need to Triumph in Next Test or Series Will Get Humiliating - McGrath

Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series after playing a mere six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of self-belief going into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

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

I got an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the discussion about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory down under, existed a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical regarding England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I admire regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the notion 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 such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I had permission to have my say. Everyone took responsibility of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they were held consequences by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we pulled together because of the love we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

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

Admittedly, these factors are easier when a team is winning, which England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

It seemed that England had concluded conditions had to adapt to them, instead of the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they need to do something to address them.

I hold no issue with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I like the aspect of competing without fear. If England can add the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still be on to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

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

And yet, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with each of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Scott Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective has been the change within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when there seemed there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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

This represents an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I know how much hard work required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

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

The Final Word

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

This time, they hold England by the throat and should not relent just because some big names are returning. They cannot get complacent.

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it contests, therefore this team 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.