I'd Be Licking My Lips Bowling to England - McGrath
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For Australia to bounce back and win the opening Ashes Test as decisively as they did, you wonder what scars will be inflicted upon the England team.
How will they respond for the remaining series?
Unexpected Turnaround
I do not think anyone expected what happened on Saturday. When you examine the quantity of deliveries required to complete the game, it was Test cricket on accelerated pace.
England were clearly dominant at the midday break on the second day, 105 ahead with most wickets in hand. The playing surface was still offering assistance. It looked extremely difficult for Australia to re-enter the match.
Shot Selection Woes
From that point, England's shot selection was their major downfall. Scott Boland put in arguably his poorest performance in an Australia shirt in the initial batting, then completely reversed in the subsequent innings to be the driving force for the recovery.
England's batsmen were out attempting to strike balls wide of off-stump, in the air, through the covers.
Attempting runs off those bowls, with those shots, is the one thing you just do not do as a batter in Australia.
Adjustment Problems
It showed that England had failed to complete their homework, are not able to adapt or are reluctant to change approach.
There is much discussion about England's method, their aggressive style. I observed it firsthand during the recent series in the UK. Under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, they can be pretty stubborn when it comes to adhering to that strategy.
It is acceptable 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 struggle for the whole series.
Bowling Perspective
As a paceman, I would have always felt in the game against this England team.
I depended on my precision, backing myself to land the same spot 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 idea of facing them, knowing a single error could result in three or four wickets.
Skill and Resilience
There are occasions when England can be a top-class team. They have good players. Competent cricketers have ability, but great players have the mental toughness and attitude to be flexible enough for the conditions.
They would been stunned at the way things unfolded at Perth Stadium, crushed at the way they were beaten. Now we will see what they are made of. Even as a loyal Australian, part of me wants to see them adapt, just to show they can get better.
Bowling Concerns
It was almost the same with their pace attack. England's bowling unit was very good on the first evening, then lost the plot when they were put under pressure on the second night.
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 lose third wicket in six balls
Brilliant Innings
In defense to England's pace attack, they were hit by one of the great Ashes innings by Travis Head.
His 69-ball hundred was the second quickest by an Australian batsman in the historic rivalry, two overs behind the legendary keeper at the Waca previously – a game I participated in.
My old mate Gilly said Head's innings was the better of the two. I agree. Considering the challenging nature of the pitch and the situation of the game situation, the innings will go down as a moment of cricket lore.
Strategic Decisions
It was a bold and brave move for Australia to promote Head in the lineup for the second innings.
Usman Khawaja has copped it for being unable to open in both attempts. He had muscle issues after playing the sport the previous day the Test, but I don't think the two were connected.
When the batsman failed on day one, Australia advanced their number three and got bogged down.
In moving Head, who has the experience of starting 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 next match. I'd like to see them continue the method of aggression at the top of the order.
That could mean Head remains, meaning a player such as Beau Webster enters the middle order, or return to his position and the all-rounder or Josh Inglis could go to the opening. It would be difficult for the batsman, but occasionally you have to do what the rival team would find most uncomfortable.
Tournament Perspective
After the first Test was controlled by the pace attack, some are wondering if the remaining series will be short, low-scoring Tests.
Perth Stadium is pretty much the fastest, bounciest pitch in the world, so the batsmen should get a little bit of relief from now on.
It is not all about the wicket. Recognition has to be given to the bowlers for delivering the ball in the right place consistently. Overall, batters on both sides will need to analyze how they were dismissed.
Crucial Next Test
Now we move on to the next venue, and the completely distinct twilight conditions for the following match.
In 2006-07, I was part of the Australia team that dominated England to achieve 5-0. The rivalry in this country have a habit of slipping from England rapidly.
At the present, England are just one match down. There would be no coming back from two down, which is why the venue is such a massive game.
They must adapt, or the Ashes will be lost once more.