The English Must to Triumph in Upcoming Match or Ashes Could Become Embarrassing - McGrath

Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves 2-0 up in this Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were put under the pump by England in the first Test in Perth, before executing a remarkable turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they gave the English side a lesson in how to play Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series is not dead, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got a close look at England's style during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Despite all the discussion regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a victory down under, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, all of the Australians who were sceptical about England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I like regarding England's mindset. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them push the boundaries of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the notion that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we had as a group.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility collectively manifested when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier when a team secures victories, a scenario England are not doing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry for England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had concluded pitches must conform to their game, instead of England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat at the Gabba, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must take action to address them.

I have no problems with what the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, one can be sure they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? Like I said, I support the element of playing 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 been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

Had England been informed they would play an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Michael Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian 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 there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I stated there was essentially just one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, just not in a way anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja might find it tough to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat at number five.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both athletes. I understand how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

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

An Australian side must always believe it can win every Test it contests, therefore this team should be thinking about winning 5-0.

England will know they are compelled but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.