I'd Be Licking My Lips Bowling to the English Team - McGrath
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For Australia to fight back and win the first Ashes Test so convincingly as they did, one questions what scars will be left on the England team.
How will they respond for the rest of series?
Unexpected Turnaround
I do not think no one expected what transpired on Saturday. When you look at the number of overs taken to complete the game, it was Test cricket on accelerated pace.
England were clearly dominant at the midday break on the second day, leading by 105 runs with nine wickets in hand. The pitch was still doing plenty. It looked so tough for Australia to re-enter the match.
Shot Selection Woes
From that moment, England's shot selection was their major downfall. The Australian bowler put in probably his worst performance in an national colors in the initial batting, then turned it around in the subsequent innings to be the catalyst for the comeback.
England's batsmen were out trying to hit balls outside off stump, in the air, through the covers.
Attempting runs off those deliveries, with those shots, is the one thing you just do not do as a batsman in Australia.
Adaptation Issues
It demonstrated that England had not done their homework, are not able to adjust or are reluctant to change approach.
There is a lot of talk about England's method, their aggressive style. I witnessed it firsthand during the recent series in the UK. Under their captain and their coach, they can be quite rigid when it comes to sticking with that strategy.
It is fine on slow, low pitches. On the fast, bouncy pitches of Australia it is a approach fraught with danger. If England do not reassess, they will face difficulties for the entire series.
Pacer's Viewpoint
As a paceman, I would have always felt in the game against this England team.
I relied on my precision, backing myself to land the identical area on or outside off stump, with a some bounce and movement.
Even if this England team was going well, I'd be eagerly anticipating at the prospect of facing them, knowing one mistake could bring multiple wickets.
Quality and Mental Toughness
There are times when England can be a high-quality team. They have good players. Good players have ability, but exceptional athletes have the psychological strength and attitude to be flexible enough for the situation.
They would been stunned at the way things unfolded at Perth Stadium, crushed at the way they were defeated. Now we will see what they are made of. Even as a loyal Australian, I somewhat wants to see them change, just to show they can improve.
Pace Attack Issues
It was almost the same with their pace attack. England's bowling unit was excellent on the first evening, then lost direction when they were attacked on the following day.
In the longest format, all aspects require a Plan B. Frequently it seems England have a single approach, then nowhere to go if that does not work.
'Where has this come from?' - Starc bowls Root as England collapse in quick succession
Head's Masterclass
In fairness to England's pace attack, they were confronted with one of the memorable Ashes innings by Travis Head.
His century off 69 deliveries was the second fastest by an Australian batsman in the historic rivalry, 12 balls behind Adam Gilchrist at the Waca previously – a game I played in.
My old mate Gilchrist said Head's innings was the better of the two. I agree. Considering the difficulty of the wicket and the situation of the game circumstances, the innings will go down as a highlight of Ashes history.
Tactical Moves
It was a bold and brave move for Australia to elevate the batsman in the lineup for the second innings.
Usman Khawaja has copped it for being unable to open in both attempts. He had back spasms after playing the sport the previous day the Test, but I do not believe the two were connected.
When the batsman missed out on the opening day, Australia promoted Marnus Labuschagne and got stuck.
In promoting Head, who has the confidence of opening in limited overs, Australia were able to take the attack to England.
Upcoming Decisions
Now there is the issue of what Australia will do for the second Test. I'd like to see them stick with the approach of aggression at the beginning.
That could mean Head remains, meaning someone like Beau Webster enters the batting lineup, or return to his position and Mitchell Marsh or the keeper could move to the top. It would be difficult for the batsman, but sometimes you have to do what the rival team would find most uncomfortable.
Series Outlook
After the opening match was dominated by the bowlers, questions arise if the remaining series will be brief, low-run Tests.
Perth Stadium is pretty much the fastest, bounciest pitch in the global cricket, so the batsmen should get a some respite from here onward.
It is not entirely about the wicket. Credit has to be given to the bowlers for getting the ball in the correct areas consistently. Overall, batsmen on each team will need to look at how they got themselves out.
Pivotal Match
Now we move on to the next venue, and the vastly different day-night conditions for the following match.
In 2006-07, I was a member of the national side that dominated England to win 5-0. The rivalry in this nation have a habit of getting away from England quickly.
At the present, England are only 1-0 down. There would be no recovery from two down, which is why Brisbane is such a massive game.
They need to adjust, or the Ashes will be lost once more.