The English Must to Triumph in Upcoming Test or Ashes Could Become Humiliating - McGrath

Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in the current Ashes series following just only six days of cricket.

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

This propelled them on a wave of confidence heading into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, but it's not far from it. Should England don't win the third Test, the situation could become 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 representing their opportunity to finally win a victory down under, existed a lot of doubt in this country about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt aggressive strokes and discover methods to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure of the big moments?

At present, all of the Australians who were sceptical regarding England are being proved right.

Attitude and Accountability

There is much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when athletes compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of what is possible.

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

"Yes, there were support staff such as Simpson and John Buchanan, but it was the skipper and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I believed I had permission to have my say. Every player assumed responsibility for the squad's performance.

Then, if someone stepped out from the standard, they faced consequences by the other players. If an individual committed a mistake repeatedly - which didn't happen very often - they were told.

The Australian Blueprint

We had several dominant characters - no one more prominent than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that what we were doing served 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, obligation and flexibility all came together as we walked 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.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment that lacks personal responsibility.

It seemed as if England had decided pitches must conform to them, rather than England adapting their strategy to the prevailing conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it looks like the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they need take action to address them.

I hold no issue with the statements the England leaders made publicly at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong publicly, you can guarantee they have been even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing without fear. Provided England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

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

If England been informed they would face an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

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

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery from an Australian perspective has been the change in the batting order.

Before the series, when there seemed to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's batting partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems to be the opportunity for Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They are surely devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to captain the side.

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.

This time, they have England by the throat and must not let up merely because some big names are coming back. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australian side must always believe it can win every Test it plays, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming for a five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to 5-0.