I Would Be Salivating Facing the English Team - McGrath
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For Australia to fight back and claim victory in the opening Ashes Test as decisively as they did, you wonder what psychological damage will be left on the England team.
How will they respond for the remaining series?
Surprising Comeback
I believe no one anticipated what happened on the weekend. When you look at the number of overs taken to finish the game, it was the longest format on accelerated pace.
England were well on top at lunch on the second day, leading by 105 runs with most wickets in hand. The playing surface was still offering assistance. It looked extremely difficult for Australia to get back into the match.
Batting Mistakes
From that moment, England's shot selection was their major downfall. Scott Boland put in probably his worst performance in an Australia shirt in the first innings, then completely reversed in the subsequent innings to be the driving force for the comeback.
England's batsmen were out attempting to strike balls outside off stump, in the air, towards cover region.
Trying to score off those bowls, with those shots, is the precise action you just do not do as a batsman in Australia.
Adjustment Problems
It demonstrated that England had failed to complete 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 Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, they can be pretty stubborn when it comes to sticking with that method.
It is fine on slow, low pitches. On the fast, bouncy pitches of Australia it is a approach full of danger. If England do not reassess, they will struggle for the whole series.
Bowling Perspective
As a bowler, I would have consistently believed in the contest against this England team.
I depended on my precision, backing myself to hit the same spot on or outside off stump, with a some bounce and nip.
Even if this England team was going well, I'd be licking my lips at the prospect of bowling to them, aware a single error could result in multiple wickets.
Skill and Resilience
There are occasions when England can be a top-class team. They have talented individuals. Good players have ability, but great players have the psychological strength and attitude to be flexible 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 capable of. Even as a loyal Australian, part of me wants to see them change, just to show they can improve.
Bowling Concerns
It was similar with their pace attack. England's attack was excellent on the first evening, then lost the plot when they were put under pressure on the following day.
In Test cricket, all disciplines require a Plan B. Frequently it seems England have one method, then no alternatives if that does not work.
'Where has this come from?' - The dismissal as England lose third wicket in quick succession
Brilliant Innings
In defense to England's bowlers, they were hit by one of the memorable Ashes innings by the Australian batsman.
His 69-ball hundred was the second quickest by an Australian batsman in the historic rivalry, 12 balls behind Adam Gilchrist at the Perth ground 19 years ago – a match I played in.
My old mate Gilchrist said Head's innings was the superior of the two. I agree. Considering the challenging nature of the wicket and the situation of the match situation, Head's knock will go down 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.
The opener has faced criticism for being failing to start in both attempts. He had back spasms after playing the sport the previous day the Test, but I don't think the two were connected.
When the batsman missed out on the opening day, Australia advanced their number three and got bogged down.
In promoting the aggressive batsman, who has the experience 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 second Test. I'd like to see them continue the approach of attacking play at the beginning.
That could mean continuation at the top, meaning someone like the all-rounder enters the batting lineup, or return to his position and the all-rounder or the keeper could move 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 dominated by the bowlers, questions arise if the remaining series will be short, low-scoring Tests.
The venue is pretty much the fastest, bounciest pitch in the world, so the batters should get a little bit of relief from here onward.
It is not entirely about the pitch. Recognition has to be given to the pacemen for getting the ball in the correct areas so often. In general, batsmen on both sides will need to look at how they got themselves out.
Crucial Next Test
Now we progress to the next venue, and the completely distinct twilight conditions for the following match.
In 2006-07, I was a member of the national side that dominated England to win 5-0. Ashes series in this country have a tendency of slipping from England quickly.
At the moment, 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 lost again.