England's Need to Triumph in Next Match or Ashes Will Get Embarrassing - McGrath

Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of play.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, before executing a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them riding a crest of self-belief going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered the English side a lesson on playing the longest format, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest is not dead, but it's not far from it. Should England fail to win the Adelaide Test, the situation could become embarrassing.

I gained an intimate view at England's style throughout the last Ashes series in the UK. Despite all the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and find ways to get out? Would they crumble under the pressure during crucial phases?

Right now, every one of the Australian observers who were sceptical about England are seeing their views validated.

Mindset and Responsibility

There exists much I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the limits of what is possible.

But I don't like the idea that pressure or high expectations needs to be removed. Elite performers excel when challenged, and the best teams ensure members are accountable.

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

Even when a newcomer, I believed I had permission to voice my opinion. Everyone took ownership of the team.

Subsequently, should someone stepped out of line, they faced consequences from their teammates. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

We had several dominant characters - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and for each other. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we pulled together due to the affection we had for each other, so extensive was the amount of time we had as a group.

That accountability, responsibility and adaptability collectively manifested when we stepped on to the field as a unit.

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

Examining the Approach

My concern regarding England was the message of a rigid style fostered an environment deficient in accountability.

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

Ultimately, following the result of the loss in Brisbane, it appears realisation has dawned.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must take action about it.

I hold no issue with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. If Stokes and McCullum have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been even more forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of playing without fear. If England can incorporate the elements of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still possess to something.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve a huge amount of credit.

If England been informed they would play an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory in Brisbane with each of their other players standing up.

Australian Standouts

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, ably assisted by Neser, Boland and Doggett.

Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest display of keeping I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Before the series, when it appeared there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was only really a debate concerning one position - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

The New Opening Pair

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

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

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will mean England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the rest of the series.

This represents a great shame for both athletes. I know how much hard work it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from injuries, and how desperate both would have been to participate fully in this contest. They will be devastated.

The Adelaide Oval will be a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to level the last Ashes. They will know England are dangerous.

This time, they hold England in a stranglehold and should not relent just because key players are returning. They must avoid get complacent.

An Australian side should always think it can win every Test it plays, therefore this team ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England will know they are compelled to reverse their fortunes at Adelaide. Failure to do so, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.