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

Not in the Aussies' wildest dreams would they have imagined they would be leading two-nil in this Ashes series following just a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test at the WACA, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a masterclass on playing the longest format, especially pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, but it's not far from it. Should England don't 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 considerable scepticism among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Was the English batting lineup be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse under the pressure during crucial phases?

At present, all of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when athletes play without fear, because that helps them push the limits of what is possible.

However, I disagree with the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

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

Even when a newcomer, I believed I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should a player deviated of line, they were held consequences by the other players. If an individual committed an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

The Australian Blueprint

Our team contained some huge personalities - no one more prominent than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that what we were doing served the team and our comrades. Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, such was the amount of time we spent together.

That accountability, responsibility and flexibility collectively manifested as we walked on to the field as a unit.

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

A Culture in Question

My worry regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture that lacks personal responsibility.

It was almost as if England had decided pitches must conform to their game, rather than England adapting their strategy to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the defeat at the Gabba, it looks like realisation has dawned.

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

I have no issue with what the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright publicly, one can be sure they have been even stronger behind closed doors.

A New Version?

Might we witness a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the element of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

Despite the fact England have been criticised, Australia merits a huge amount of credit.

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

Nevertheless, Australia achieved a win at the Gabba with each of their remaining players standing up.

Australian Standouts

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

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 Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest revelation from an Australian perspective has been the shift within the top order.

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

That debate has been settled, simply not in a way anyone expected.

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury in Perth, Australia have looked like a different team. Now, it appears there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he could bat in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will mean English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood being absent for the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

That is an unfortunate situation for both athletes. I understand the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the dedication that goes into coming back from injuries, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this contest. They are surely heartbroken.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it looks like Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They are aware England are dangerous.

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

An Australia team must always believe it can win every Test it plays, therefore this team should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they have no choice but to turn things around at Adelaide. Failure to do so, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.