England's Need to Win Next Match or Ashes Will Get Humiliating - McGrath

Not in the Aussies' most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in this Ashes series after playing only six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists during the opener in Perth, then pulled off an incredible reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play Test cricket, especially pink-ball matches.

Series on the Brink

This series remains alive, but it's perilously close. Should England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I gained a close look of England's approach during the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the discussion regarding this trip representing their opportunity to finally win a victory down under, existed a lot of doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and find ways to lose their wickets? Would they crumble under the pressure of the big moments?

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

Mindset and Responsibility

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, as this enables them push the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation needs to be removed. The great players thrive under pressure, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed support staff such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who always ran the team environment."

Even when a young player, I believed I was allowed to voice my opinion. Everyone took responsibility for the squad's performance.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out from the standard, they were held consequences by the other players. If someone made an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden often stated we united because of the love we had for each other, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and flexibility all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a team.

Admittedly, all of these things are easier while a side secures victories, which England are not doing right now.

A Culture in Question

My concern regarding England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost that England had concluded pitches must conform to them, instead of England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

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

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need take action to address them.

I hold 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, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the element of playing fearlessly. Provided England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit for their performance.

Had England been informed they would play an Australian side without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

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

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has proven exceptionally brilliant, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Alex Carey put in an absolute masterclass with the gloves, possibly the best display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia is the change within the top order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of discussion about the Australia line-up, I said there was essentially just a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt in Perth, Australia have looked transformed. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature at number five.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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 a great shame for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

The Final Word

Australia recalls how England came from a two-nil deficit to level the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

On this occasion, they hold England by the throat and must not relent just because some big names are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side must always believe it can win each match it plays, so for that reason this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

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