I'd Be Licking My Lips Facing the English Team - Glenn McGrath
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The Australian team to fight back and claim victory in the opening Ashes Test so convincingly as they did, one questions what psychological damage will be left on the England team.
What are they going to do for the rest of series?
Surprising Comeback
I believe anyone anticipated what transpired on the weekend. When you examine the quantity of deliveries required to complete the game, it was Test cricket on accelerated pace.
England were well on top at the midday break on the following day, 105 ahead with most wickets in hand. The playing surface was still doing plenty. It looked extremely difficult for Australia to re-enter the match.
Batting Mistakes
From that moment, England's shot selection was their major downfall. The Australian bowler put in arguably his poorest performance in an national colors in the first innings, then turned it around in the subsequent innings to be the driving force for the recovery.
England's batters were out attempting to strike balls outside off stump, in the air, through the covers.
Trying to score off those deliveries, with those shots, is the one thing you just should avoid as a batsman in Australia.
Adjustment Problems
It showed that England had failed to complete their preparation, are unable to adapt or are reluctant to change approach.
There is a lot of talk about England's method, their aggressive style. I witnessed it up close 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 acceptable 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 struggle for the whole series.
Pacer's Viewpoint
As a bowler, I would have consistently believed in the contest against this England team.
I depended on my precision, backing myself to hit the same spot around off stump, with a bit of bounce and nip.
Even if this England team was going well, I'd be eagerly anticipating at the prospect of bowling to them, aware a single error could bring multiple wickets.
Skill and Resilience
There are times when England can be a high-quality team. They have good players. Competent cricketers have ability, but exceptional athletes have the mental toughness and mindset to be adaptable enough for the situation.
They would been stunned at the way events developed at Perth Stadium, devastated at the way they were beaten. Now we will see what they are capable of. Even as a loyal Australian, I somewhat wants to see them adapt, just to show they can improve.
Bowling Concerns
It was similar with their bowling. England's bowling unit was very good on the first evening, then lost the plot when they were attacked on the following day.
In the longest format, all disciplines require a backup strategy. Quite often it feels like England have one method, then no alternatives if that does not work.
'Where has this come from?' - The dismissal as England collapse in six balls
Brilliant Innings
In fairness to England's bowlers, they were hit by one of the great Ashes innings by the Australian batsman.
His century off 69 deliveries was the second quickest by an Australian man in Ashes cricket, two overs behind the legendary keeper at the Waca 19 years ago – a game I participated in.
My old mate Gilly said Head's innings was the better of the two. I concur. Considering the difficulty of the wicket and the situation of the game circumstances, the innings will be remembered as a moment of cricket lore.
Strategic Decisions
It was a courageous move for Australia to promote Head in the lineup for the second innings.
Usman Khawaja has faced criticism for being unable to open in either innings. He had muscle issues after playing golf the day before the Test, but I do not believe the two were connected.
When Khawaja failed on day one, Australia advanced 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 question of what Australia will do for the second Test. I'd like to see them continue the method of aggression at the beginning.
That could mean continuation at the top, meaning someone like the all-rounder comes into the middle order, or return to number five and the all-rounder or Josh Inglis could go to the top. It would be tough on Khawaja, but sometimes you have to do what the opposition would find most challenging.
Series Outlook
After the opening match was dominated by the pace attack, some are wondering if the remaining series will be short, low-scoring Tests.
The venue is essentially the fastest, bounciest pitch in the global cricket, so the batsmen should get a little bit of relief from now on.
It is not all about the pitch. Recognition has to be awarded to the pacemen for getting the ball in the right place consistently. Overall, batsmen on both sides will need to analyze how they were dismissed.
Crucial Next Test
Now we move on to Brisbane, and the completely distinct day-night conditions for the second Test.
In the historic series, I was part of the Australia team that dominated England to win 5-0. The rivalry in this country have a tendency of getting away from England rapidly.
At the moment, England are only 1-0 down. There would be no coming back from two down, which is why Brisbane is such a crucial game.
They need to adjust, or the historic urn will be gone again.