I Would Be Licking My Lips Bowling to the English Team - McGrath
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The Australian team to fight 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 do not think anyone anticipated what transpired on Saturday. When you examine the number of overs taken to complete the game, it was Test cricket on accelerated pace.
England were well on top at the midday break on the following day, leading by 105 runs with nine wickets in hand. The playing surface was still offering assistance. It looked so tough for Australia to get back into the match.
Batting Mistakes
From that moment, England's choice of strokes was their major downfall. The Australian bowler put in probably his worst performance in an Australia shirt in the initial batting, then turned it around in the second to be the catalyst for the comeback.
England's batters were out trying to hit balls outside off stump, in the air, towards cover region.
Attempting runs off those bowls, with those strokes, is the one thing you just should avoid as a batsman in Australia.
Adjustment Problems
It showed that England had not done their preparation, are not able to adapt or are reluctant to change approach.
There is much discussion about England's approach, their attacking philosophy. I observed it firsthand during the recent series in the UK. Under their captain and Brendon McCullum, they can be quite rigid when it comes to adhering to that method.
It is acceptable on sluggish pitches. On the quick, lively pitches of Australia it is a method full of danger. If England fail to reconsider, they will face difficulties for the whole series.
Bowling Perspective
As a paceman, I would have consistently believed in the contest against this England team.
I depended on my precision, backing myself to land the identical area around off stump, with a some 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 occasions when England can be a top-class team. They have talented individuals. Good players have skill, but exceptional athletes have the psychological strength and attitude to be flexible enough for the situation.
They would been shellshocked at the way things unfolded at the venue, crushed at the way they were beaten. Now we will see what they are made of. Even as a true blue Australian, I somewhat wants to see them adapt, just to show they can improve.
Pace Attack Issues
It was similar with their bowling. England's bowling unit was very good on the opening day, then lost the plot when they were attacked on the following day.
In the longest format, all disciplines require a Plan B. Frequently it seems England have a single approach, then nowhere to go if that fails.
'Where has this come from?' - The dismissal as England collapse in quick succession
Brilliant Innings
In defense to England's bowlers, they were hit by one of the great Ashes innings by Travis Head.
His century off 69 deliveries was the second quickest by an Australian batsman in the historic rivalry, two overs behind Adam Gilchrist at the Waca 19 years ago – a match I participated in.
My old mate Gilly said the performance was the better of the two. I agree. Given the challenging nature of the wicket and the context of the game circumstances, Head's knock will go down as a highlight of cricket lore.
Strategic Decisions
It was a bold and brave move for Australia to elevate Head in the lineup for the follow-on.
The opener has copped it for being unable to open 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 missed out on the opening day, Australia promoted their number three and got bogged down.
In moving Head, 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 question of what Australia will do for the next match. I'd like to see them continue the approach of aggression at the beginning.
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 Khawaja, but sometimes you have to do what the rival team would find most uncomfortable.
Series Outlook
After the opening match was controlled by the bowlers, questions arise if the remaining series will be short, low-scoring Tests.
Perth Stadium is essentially the fastest, bounciest pitch in the world, so the batters should get a little bit of relief from now on.
It is not entirely about the pitch. Recognition has to be awarded to the pacemen for getting the ball in the correct areas so often. 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 day-night conditions for the second Test.
In 2006-07, I was part of the Australia team that dominated England to win 5-0. The rivalry in this country have a tendency of slipping from England rapidly.
At the present, England are just one match down. There would be no recovery from 2-0, which is why the venue is such a massive game.
They must adapt, or the Ashes will be gone again.
