I'd Be Licking My Lips Facing the English Team - Glenn McGrath

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For Australia to bounce back and win the opening Ashes Test so convincingly as they did, you wonder what psychological damage will be left on the England team.

What are they going to do for the rest of series?

Unexpected Turnaround

I believe no one anticipated what happened 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 lunch on the second day, leading by 105 runs with most wickets in hand. The playing surface was still offering assistance. It looked extremely difficult for Australia to re-enter the match.

Batting Mistakes

From that point, England's choice of strokes was their big undoing. Scott Boland put in arguably his poorest performance in an Australia shirt in the first innings, then completely reversed in the second to be the driving force for the recovery.

England's batsmen were out trying to hit balls wide of 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 batter in Australia.

Adjustment Problems

It showed that England had not done their homework, are not able to adjust or are unwilling to adapt.

There is a lot of talk about England's approach, their attacking philosophy. 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 method full of danger. If England fail to reconsider, they will face difficulties for the whole series.

Pacer's Viewpoint

As a paceman, I would have consistently believed in the contest against this England team.

I relied on my accuracy, having confidence to land the identical area around off stump, with a bit of bounce and movement.

Even if this England team was performing strongly, I'd be eagerly anticipating at the prospect of bowling to them, knowing one mistake could bring multiple wickets.

Skill and Resilience

There are occasions when England can be a high-quality team. They have talented individuals. Competent cricketers have ability, but great players have the psychological strength and mindset to be flexible enough for the conditions.

They would been stunned at the way things unfolded at Perth Stadium, devastated at the way they were beaten. Now we will see what they are made of. Even as a loyal Australian, I somewhat wants to see them adapt, just to show they can get better.

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 put under pressure on the following day.

In Test cricket, all aspects require a Plan B. Quite often it seems 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

Head's Masterclass

In fairness to England's bowlers, they were hit by one of the memorable Ashes innings by Travis Head.

His century off 69 deliveries was the second fastest by an Australian man in the historic rivalry, 12 balls behind the legendary keeper at the Perth ground 19 years ago – a game I played in.

My former teammate Gilly said the performance was the better of the two. I concur. Given the challenging nature of the wicket and the context 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 promote the batsman up the order for the second innings.

Usman Khawaja has faced criticism for being failing to start in both attempts. He had back spasms after playing golf 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 stuck.

In promoting Head, who has the experience of opening in white-ball cricket, Australia were able to go on offensive to England.

Upcoming Decisions

Now there is the question of what Australia will do for the next match. I'd like to see them continue the method of attacking play at the top of the order.

That could mean Head remains, meaning a player such as the all-rounder enters the batting lineup, or Head could go back to his position and the all-rounder or the keeper could move to the opening. It would be difficult for the batsman, but sometimes you have to do what the opposition would find most uncomfortable.

Tournament Perspective

After the opening match was controlled by the bowlers, questions arise if the rest of series will be short, low-scoring Tests.

The venue is pretty much the fastest, bounciest pitch in the world, so the batsmen should get a some respite from now on.

It is not all about the pitch. Recognition has to be awarded to the bowlers for getting the ball in the correct areas so often. In general, batsmen on each team will need to analyze how they got themselves out.

Crucial Next Test

Now we progress to Brisbane, and the vastly different twilight conditions for the following match.

In the historic series, I was a member of the national side that overwhelmed England to win 5-0. The rivalry in this nation have a tendency of slipping from England rapidly.

At the moment, England are only 1-0 down. There would be no recovery from two down, which is why Brisbane is such a massive game.

They must adapt, or the historic urn will be lost once more.

Stacey Fields
Stacey Fields

Elara is a published novelist and writing coach with a passion for helping aspiring authors find their unique voice and build engaging stories.