I Would Be Salivating Facing the English Team - McGrath
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For Australia to bounce back and win the first Ashes Test so convincingly as they did, one questions what scars will be inflicted upon the England team.
What are they going to do for the rest of series?
Unexpected Turnaround
I do not think no one expected what transpired on the weekend. When you look at the quantity of deliveries taken to complete the game, it was the longest format on accelerated pace.
England were clearly dominant at lunch on the second day, leading by 105 runs with most wickets in hand. The pitch was still offering assistance. It looked extremely difficult for Australia to re-enter the match.
Shot Selection Woes
From that moment, England's shot selection was their big undoing. The Australian bowler put in probably his worst performance in an national colors in the initial batting, then completely reversed in the second to be the driving force for the comeback.
England's batsmen were out attempting to strike balls wide of off-stump, in the air, towards cover region.
Attempting runs off those bowls, 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 not able to adapt or are unwilling to change approach.
There is much discussion about England's approach, their attacking philosophy. I witnessed it firsthand during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Under their captain and their coach, they can be quite rigid when it comes to adhering to that method.
It is fine on slow, low pitches. On the fast, bouncy pitches of Australia it is a approach full of danger. If England do not reassess, they will face difficulties for the whole series.
Pacer's Viewpoint
As a bowler, I would have always felt in the contest against this England team.
I relied on my accuracy, backing myself to hit the identical area 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 idea of facing them, knowing a single error could bring multiple wickets.
Quality and Mental Toughness
There are occasions 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, crushed at the way they were defeated. Now we will see what they are made of. Even as a loyal Australian, part of me wants to see them change, just to show they can improve.
Bowling Concerns
It was similar with their bowling. England's bowling unit was very good on the opening day, then lost direction when they were attacked on the second night.
In Test cricket, all disciplines require a Plan B. Quite often it feels like England have one method, then nowhere to go if that fails.
'Where has this come from?' - The dismissal as England collapse in quick succession
Brilliant Innings
In fairness to England's bowlers, they were confronted with one of the great Ashes innings by the Australian batsman.
His 69-ball hundred was the second quickest by an Australian batsman in Ashes cricket, 12 balls behind Adam Gilchrist at the Waca previously – a game I played in.
My former teammate Gilly said Head's innings was the better of the two. I agree. Given the difficulty of the wicket and the context of the game situation, the innings will be remembered as a highlight of Ashes history.
Strategic Decisions
It was a bold and brave move for Australia to elevate the batsman in the lineup for the follow-on.
The opener has faced criticism for being unable to open in both attempts. He had back spasms after playing the sport the day before the Test, but I don't think the two were connected.
When Khawaja failed on the opening day, Australia advanced Marnus Labuschagne and got bogged down.
In moving the aggressive batsman, who has the confidence of opening in white-ball cricket, 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 continue the method of attacking play at the beginning.
That could mean Head remains, meaning someone like the all-rounder comes into the middle order, or return to number five and Mitchell Marsh or the keeper could go to the opening. It would be difficult for the batsman, but sometimes you have to do what the opposition would find most uncomfortable.
Series Outlook
After the opening match was controlled by the bowlers, questions arise if the remaining series will be brief, low-run Tests.
Perth Stadium is pretty much the quickest, liveliest pitch in the world, so the batsmen should get a some respite from here onward.
It is not all about the wicket. Recognition has to be given to the pacemen for delivering the ball in the right place consistently. Overall, batters on each team will need to look at how they were dismissed.
Crucial Next Test
Now we move on to Brisbane, and the completely distinct twilight conditions for the following match.
In the historic series, I was part of the national side that overwhelmed England to win 5-0. The rivalry in this country 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.
