I'd Be Licking My Lips Bowling to the English Team - McGrath
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The Australian team to bounce back and claim victory in the first Ashes Test so convincingly as they did, one questions what scars will be left on the England team.
How will they respond for the rest of series?
Unexpected Turnaround
I believe anyone anticipated what transpired on the weekend. When you look at the quantity of deliveries taken to finish the game, it was the longest format on fast forward.
England were clearly dominant at lunch on the following day, leading by 105 runs with nine wickets in hand. The playing surface was still doing plenty. It looked so tough for Australia to re-enter the match.
Shot Selection Woes
From that point, 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 second to be the catalyst for the comeback.
England's batters were out trying to hit balls wide of off-stump, in the air, through the covers.
Trying to score off those bowls, with those strokes, is the one thing you just do not do as a batter in Australia.
Adaptation Issues
It demonstrated that England had not done their preparation, are unable to adjust or are reluctant to change approach.
There is much discussion about England's approach, their attacking philosophy. I observed it up close during the recent series in the UK. Under their captain and their coach, they can be pretty stubborn when it comes to sticking with that method.
It is acceptable on slow, low pitches. On the quick, lively pitches of Australia it is a approach fraught with danger. If England fail to reconsider, they will face difficulties for the entire series.
Pacer's Viewpoint
As a bowler, I would have consistently believed in the contest against this England team.
I relied on my precision, backing myself to land the identical area on or outside off stump, with a some bounce and movement.
Even if this England team was performing strongly, I'd be licking my lips at the idea of bowling to them, aware one mistake could bring multiple wickets.
Quality and Mental Toughness
There are times when England can be a top-class team. They have talented individuals. Good players have ability, but exceptional athletes have the mental toughness and attitude to be adaptable enough for the conditions.
They would been shellshocked at the way things unfolded 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 get better.
Pace Attack Issues
It was similar 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 Test cricket, all disciplines require a Plan B. Quite often it seems England have a single approach, then no alternatives if that fails.
'Where has this come from?' - The dismissal as England collapse in quick succession
Brilliant Innings
In defense to England's pace attack, they were hit by one of the great Ashes innings by Travis Head.
His century off 69 deliveries was the second fastest by an Australian batsman in Ashes cricket, 12 balls behind the legendary keeper at the Waca previously – a game I participated in.
My old mate Gilchrist said the performance was the superior of the two. I agree. Considering the difficulty of the pitch and the context of the match situation, the innings will be remembered as a highlight of Ashes history.
Strategic Decisions
It was a courageous move for Australia to elevate Head up the order for the follow-on.
Usman Khawaja has faced criticism for being failing to start in either innings. He had muscle issues after playing the sport the previous day the Test, but I do not believe the two were linked.
When Khawaja failed on day one, Australia promoted Marnus Labuschagne and got stuck.
In moving the aggressive batsman, who has the confidence of starting in white-ball cricket, Australia were able to go on offensive to England.
Upcoming Decisions
Now there is the issue of what Australia will do for the second Test. I'd like to see them stick with the method of aggression at the top of the order.
That could mean continuation at the top, meaning someone like the all-rounder 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 sometimes you have to do what the rival team would find most challenging.
Series Outlook
After the first Test was dominated by the pace attack, questions arise if the remaining series will be brief, low-run Tests.
The venue is pretty much the quickest, liveliest pitch in the global cricket, so the batters should get a some relief from now on.
It is not all about the wicket. Recognition has to be awarded to the bowlers for getting the ball in the right place consistently. Overall, batters on each team will need to analyze how they were dismissed.
Pivotal Match
Now we progress to Brisbane, and the completely distinct twilight conditions for the second Test.
In 2006-07, I was part of the national side that dominated England to achieve 5-0. Ashes series in this country have a tendency of getting away from England rapidly.
At the present, England are only 1-0 down. There would be no recovery from two down, which is why Brisbane is such a crucial game.
They must adapt, or the Ashes will be lost once more.