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

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For Australia to bounce back and claim victory in the first Ashes Test as decisively as they did, you wonder what scars will be left on the England team.

What are they going to do for the remaining series?

Surprising Comeback

I do not think no one expected what transpired on Saturday. When you look at the quantity of deliveries taken to finish the game, it was the longest format on accelerated pace.

England were clearly dominant at the midday break on the second day, leading by 105 runs with nine wickets in hand. The pitch was still offering assistance. It looked so tough for Australia to get back into the match.

Shot Selection Woes

From that point, 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 completely reversed in the second to be the catalyst for the comeback.

England's batsmen were out trying to hit balls wide of off-stump, on the up, through the covers.

Attempting runs off those bowls, with those strokes, is the one thing you just should avoid as a batter in Australia.

Adaptation Issues

It showed that England had not done their preparation, are not able to adjust or are unwilling to change approach.

There is a lot of talk about England's method, their attacking philosophy. I witnessed it firsthand during the recent series in the UK. Under their captain and Brendon McCullum, they can be pretty stubborn when it comes to adhering to that method.

It is fine on slow, low pitches. On the quick, lively pitches of Australia it is a approach full of danger. If England fail to reconsider, they will face difficulties for the entire series.

Bowling Perspective

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

I depended on my precision, having confidence to hit the identical area on or outside off stump, with a bit of bounce and nip.

Even if this England team was performing strongly, I'd be eagerly anticipating at the idea of bowling to them, aware a single error could result in multiple wickets.

Skill and Resilience

There are occasions when England can be a high-quality team. They have good players. Good players have skill, but great players have the psychological strength and mindset to be adaptable enough for the situation.

They would been stunned at the way events developed at Perth Stadium, crushed at the way they were beaten. Now we will see what they are capable of. Even as a loyal Australian, I somewhat wants to see them change, just to show they can get better.

Pace Attack Issues

It was almost the same with their bowling. England's attack was very good on the opening day, then lost direction when they were attacked on the second night.

In the longest format, all aspects require a backup strategy. Quite often 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 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 batsman in the historic rivalry, two overs behind Adam Gilchrist at the Waca previously – a game I played in.

My old mate Gilly said Head's innings was the superior of the two. I concur. Given the difficulty of the wicket and the context of the match circumstances, Head's knock will be remembered as a highlight of cricket lore.

Tactical Moves

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 back spasms after playing the sport the day before the Test, but I do not believe the two were linked.

When the batsman failed on day one, Australia advanced Marnus Labuschagne and got stuck.

In promoting Head, 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 question of what Australia will do for the second Test. I'd like to see them stick with the method of attacking play at the top of the order.

That could mean continuation at the top, meaning someone like the all-rounder comes into the batting lineup, or Head could go back to number five and the all-rounder or Josh Inglis could go to the top. It would be tough on Khawaja, but sometimes you have to do what the rival team would find most uncomfortable.

Series Outlook

After the first Test was dominated by the pace attack, some are wondering if the remaining series will be brief, low-run Tests.

The venue is essentially the fastest, bounciest pitch in the world, so the batsmen should get a some relief from here onward.

It is not entirely about the pitch. Credit has to be awarded to the pacemen for getting the ball in the right place consistently. In general, batsmen on each team will need to look at how they got themselves out.

Crucial Next Test

Now we progress to the next venue, and the completely distinct day-night conditions for the second Test.

In 2006-07, I was a member of the Australia team that dominated England to win 5-0. The rivalry in this country have a habit of slipping from England quickly.

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

They need to adjust, or the historic urn will be gone again.

Christy Clark
Christy Clark

Lena is a seasoned betting analyst with a passion for data-driven strategies and sports insights.