I Would Be Licking My Lips Bowling to England - Glenn 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.
How will they respond for the rest of series?
Unexpected Turnaround
I do not think no one anticipated what happened on the weekend. When you look at the number of overs taken to finish the game, it was Test cricket 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 playing surface was still doing plenty. It looked extremely difficult for Australia to re-enter the match.
Shot Selection Woes
From that moment, England's shot selection was their major downfall. The Australian bowler put in probably his worst performance in an national colors in the first innings, then completely reversed in the subsequent innings to be the catalyst for the comeback.
England's batsmen were out attempting to strike balls outside off stump, in the air, towards cover region.
Attempting runs off those deliveries, with those strokes, is the precise action you just do not do as a batter in Australia.
Adaptation Issues
It demonstrated that England had failed to complete their homework, are not able to adjust or are reluctant to change approach.
There is a lot of talk about England's method, 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 sticking with that method.
It is fine on sluggish pitches. On the quick, lively pitches of Australia it is a approach full of danger. If England do not reassess, they will face difficulties for the entire series.
Pacer's Viewpoint
As a bowler, I would have consistently believed in the game against this England team.
I depended on my precision, backing myself to land the same spot around off stump, with a bit of bounce and movement.
Even if this England team was going well, I'd be licking my lips at the prospect of facing them, aware one mistake could bring multiple wickets.
Quality and Mental Toughness
There are occasions when England can be a top-class team. They have talented individuals. Competent cricketers have ability, but exceptional athletes have the psychological strength and attitude to be adaptable enough for the situation.
They would been stunned at the way things unfolded at the venue, devastated at the way they were beaten. 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 almost the same with their bowling. England's bowling unit was excellent on the opening day, then lost direction when they were attacked on the second night.
In the longest format, all disciplines require a backup strategy. Quite often it seems England have one method, then no alternatives if that fails.
'Where has this come from?' - The dismissal as England collapse in quick succession
Head's Masterclass
In defense to England's bowlers, they were hit by one of the memorable Ashes innings by Travis Head.
His 69-ball hundred was the second quickest by an Australian batsman in the historic rivalry, two overs behind Adam Gilchrist at the Perth ground 19 years ago – a match I played in.
My old mate Gilly said the performance was the better of the two. I agree. Given the difficulty of the wicket and the situation of the game situation, the innings will go down as a highlight of cricket lore.
Tactical Moves
It was a bold and brave move for Australia to elevate the batsman up the order for the follow-on.
The opener has copped it for being failing to start in either innings. He had back spasms after playing golf the day before the Test, but I do not believe the two were connected.
When the batsman failed on the opening day, Australia advanced their number three and got stuck.
In promoting Head, who has the experience of opening in limited overs, 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 method of attacking play at the beginning.
That could mean Head remains, meaning someone like the all-rounder enters the middle order, or Head could go back to number five and Mitchell Marsh or Josh Inglis could go to the opening. It would be tough on the batsman, but occasionally you have to do what the rival team would find most challenging.
Series Outlook
After the first Test was controlled by the bowlers, questions arise if the rest of series will be brief, low-run Tests.
Perth Stadium is pretty much the fastest, bounciest pitch in the global cricket, so the batters should get a some respite from here onward.
It is not all about the pitch. Recognition has to be awarded to the bowlers for delivering the ball in the right place so often. In general, batsmen on both sides will need to look at how they got themselves out.
Pivotal Match
Now we move on to Brisbane, and the completely distinct twilight conditions for the following match.
In the historic series, I was part of the national side that overwhelmed England to win 5-0. Ashes series in this nation have a habit of getting away from England rapidly.
At the moment, England are just one match down. There would be no recovery from 2-0, which is why Brisbane is such a massive game.
They must adapt, or the Ashes will be gone once more.