England's Must to Win Upcoming Test or Ashes Will Get Humiliating - McGrath

Not in Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

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

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson on playing Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, however, it's not far from it. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got a close look at England's style during the last Ashes series on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series in Australia, existed considerable scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, all of the Australian observers who expressed doubts about England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists a lot I admire about England's attitude. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the notion that external pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a newcomer, I believed I had permission to have my say. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should a player deviated from the standard, they were held accountable from their teammates. If an individual committed a mistake on more than one occasion - 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. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability all came together when we stepped onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, these factors prove simpler while a side secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

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, rather than the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they must take action about it.

I have no problems with what the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Might we witness an evolved form of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of competing without fear. If England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still possess a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits significant credit of credit.

If England been informed they would play an Australia team lacking their captain Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with all of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass behind the stumps, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when there seemed there was considerable debate about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might find it tough to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he could bat in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

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 a great shame for both men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

Closing Thoughts

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

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

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

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.