The English Need to Win Next Match or Series Could Become Embarrassing - McGrath

Beyond the Aussies' wildest dreams could they have believed they would be 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

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

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, however, it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become deeply humiliating.

I got a close look at England's style during the 2023 Ashes on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to finally win a series in Australia, there was a lot of scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play aggressive strokes and find ways to get out? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

Right now, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople play without fear, as this enables them push the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. The great players excel when challenged, and top-tier teams hold each other are accountable.

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

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

Then, if someone stepped out of line, they were held consequences by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - but we all felt that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united due to the affection we had for each other, such 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 unit.

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

Examining the Approach

My concern for England stemmed from the philosophy of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

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

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum acknowledged problems exist, and they must to do something about it.

I hold no issue with what the English leadership said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness an evolved form of Bazball? As I mentioned, I support the aspect of competing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they may still be on to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

If England been informed they would face an Australia team lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have felt rubbing their hands with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win in Brisbane with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Alex Carey delivered an absolute masterclass with the gloves, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I've ever seen - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation for Australia has been the shift in the batting order.

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

That debate is now resolved, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Batsman Travis Head stuck his hand up to bat as an opener when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia have looked transformed. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the opening pair.

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

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

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

This represents a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in recovering from injuries, and how eager both players were to participate fully in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will be a quality surface, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England recovered from 2-0 down to draw the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they hold England by the throat and should not let up merely because some big names are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it can win each match it plays, therefore this squad should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice but to turn things around in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.