England's Need to Win Upcoming Match or Series Could Become Humiliating - McGrath

Not in Australia's most optimistic hopes would they have imagined they'd find themselves 2-0 up in the current historic rivalry after playing a mere six days of cricket.

They were placed under severe pressure by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, then pulled off a remarkable reversal.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly pink-ball matches.

A Critical Juncture

The contest is not dead, however, it's perilously close. If England don't win the third Test, it will get deeply humiliating.

I got an intimate view at England's style during the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the discussion about this tour being their chance to ultimately secure a victory down under, there was a lot of doubt among Australian pundits about the way the English team performs.

Would England's batting be suited to Australian conditions? Would they attempt big shots and find ways to lose their wickets? Might they collapse when pressure mounted during crucial phases?

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

Attitude and Accountability

There is a lot I like regarding England's mindset. I appreciate it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

However, I disagree with the notion that pressure or high expectations should be eliminated. The great players thrive under pressure, and the best teams ensure members to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches such as Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the skipper and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even as a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to have my say. Every player assumed ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated of line, they were held consequences by the other players. If an individual committed an error repeatedly - which didn't happen frequently - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained several dominant characters - 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 often stated we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the duration we spent together.

That accountability, obligation and adaptability all came together as we walked onto the pitch as a unit.

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

A Culture in Question

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture that lacks accountability.

It seemed as if England had concluded pitches must conform to them, instead of the team adjusting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, following the result of the loss at the Gabba, it looks like the penny has dropped.

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

I have no problems with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been forthright in the media, you can guarantee they have been forceful behind closed doors.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I support the element of playing without fear. If England can add the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they might still be on to something.

For all that England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

If England been informed they would play an Australia team without all of Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been delighted with anticipation.

And yet, Australia achieved victory at the Gabba with each of their remaining players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

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

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition behind the stumps, arguably the finest wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I shared a dressing room with Ian Healy and Gilchrist.

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

Prior to the contest, when it appeared to be a lot of debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was essentially just one question concerning one position - batter Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

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

Settling the Order

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open following Khawaja's injury 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 first-wicket duo.

Khawaja could face difficulty to get back in, despite the coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Injuries and the Adelaide Test

Injuries will result in England's Mark Wood and Australia's Josh Hazlewood being absent for the third Test and the rest of the series.

That is a great shame for both men. I know the immense effort required to bowl quickly, the effort that goes into recovering from setbacks, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

Adelaide will be a quality surface, with something in it for batters and bowlers. Australia will certainly recall Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They will know England poses a threat.

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

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it plays, therefore this team should be thinking about winning five-nil whitewash.

England will know they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.