I Would Be Licking My Lips Bowling to the English Team - McGrath

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For Australia to bounce back and win the first Ashes Test as decisively as they did, you wonder what scars will be inflicted upon the England team.

What are they going to do for the remaining series?

Unexpected Turnaround

I do not think no one expected what transpired on Saturday. When you examine the quantity of deliveries required to finish the game, it was the longest format on fast forward.

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 re-enter the match.

Shot Selection Woes

From that moment, England's shot selection was their big undoing. Scott Boland put in probably his worst performance in an national colors in the initial batting, then completely reversed in the subsequent innings to be the catalyst for the comeback.

England's batsmen were out attempting to strike balls wide of off-stump, on the up, towards cover region.

Trying to score off those deliveries, with those shots, is the precise action you just do not do as a batter in Australia.

Adjustment Problems

It showed that England had failed to complete their preparation, are unable to adjust or are unwilling to change approach.

There is much discussion about England's approach, their attacking philosophy. I witnessed 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 adhering to that strategy.

It is fine on sluggish pitches. On the fast, bouncy pitches of Australia it is a method full of danger. If England do not reassess, they will struggle 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, having confidence to hit the identical area around off stump, with a some bounce and movement.

Even if this England team was going well, I'd be eagerly anticipating at the prospect of facing them, aware one mistake could bring three or four wickets.

Quality and Mental Toughness

There are times when England can be a top-class team. They have good players. Competent cricketers have ability, but exceptional athletes have the psychological strength and mindset to be flexible enough for the conditions.

They would been shellshocked at the way events developed at the venue, crushed at the way they were defeated. Now we will see what they are made of. Even as a true blue Australian, I somewhat wants to see them change, just to show they can improve.

Pace Attack Issues

It was similar with their bowling. England's attack was excellent on the first evening, then lost direction when they were attacked on the second night.

In Test cricket, all disciplines require a Plan B. Frequently it seems England have a single approach, then no alternatives if that fails.

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Head's Masterclass

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 quickest by an Australian batsman in the historic rivalry, 12 balls behind the legendary keeper at the Perth ground previously โ€“ a game I played in.

My old mate Gilly said the performance was the better of the two. I agree. Considering the challenging nature of the pitch and the context of the match situation, the innings will be remembered as a moment of Ashes history.

Tactical Moves

It was a courageous move for Australia to elevate the batsman in the lineup for the second innings.

The opener has faced criticism 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 linked.

When the batsman missed out on the opening day, Australia advanced Marnus Labuschagne and got stuck.

In moving Head, who has the experience of starting in white-ball cricket, Australia were able to take the attack to England.

Future Considerations

Now there is the question of what Australia will do for the second Test. I'd like to see them stick with the approach of aggression at the top of the order.

That could mean Head remains, meaning a player such as Beau Webster comes into the batting lineup, or Head could go back to number five and the all-rounder or the keeper could move to the top. It would be tough on the batsman, but sometimes you have to do what the rival team would find most uncomfortable.

Tournament Perspective

After the opening match was controlled by the pace attack, questions arise if the remaining series will be short, low-scoring Tests.

Perth Stadium is essentially the quickest, liveliest pitch in the world, so the batters should get a little bit of respite from now on.

It is not all about the pitch. Credit has to be given to the bowlers for getting the ball in the right place so often. Overall, batsmen on both sides will need to analyze how they were dismissed.

Pivotal Match

Now we move on to the next venue, and the completely distinct twilight conditions for the following match.

In the historic series, I was a member of the national side that overwhelmed England to achieve 5-0. Ashes series in this country have a habit of getting away from England rapidly.

At the moment, England are just one match down. There would be no coming back from 2-0, which is why the venue is such a crucial game.

They need to adjust, or the Ashes will be lost again.

Cassandra Lowery
Cassandra Lowery

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