England's Must to Triumph in Upcoming Match or Series Could Become Embarrassing - McGrath

Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be 2-0 up in this historic rivalry after playing only six days of cricket.

They were put under the pump by England during the opener at the WACA, then pulled off a remarkable turnaround.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series remains alive, but it's perilously close. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view of England's approach during the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to ultimately secure a series down under, there was considerable scepticism in this country concerning the manner the English team performs.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to get out? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are being proved validated.

Attitude and Accountability

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

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, however, it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the team environment."

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

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held accountable from their teammates. If someone made a mistake on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence very often - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

We had some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we shared, such was the duration we had as a group.

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

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England was the message of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

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

Finally, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it looks like realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded there are issues, and they need to do something about it.

I have no issue with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of playing without fear. Provided England can add the elements of pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia deserve a huge amount for their performance.

Had England been informed they would play an Australian side lacking their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved victory in Brisbane with all of their other players rising to the occasion.

Key Performers for Australia

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

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

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Australia is the shift within the top order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really a debate concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, it appears to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from injuries, and how eager both would have been to participate fully in this series. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will return to lead.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England recovered from a two-nil deficit to level the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they have England in a stranglehold and should not let up just because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this squad ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

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.