I'd Be Licking My Lips Facing England - McGrath

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The Australian team to bounce back and claim victory in the first Ashes Test as decisively as they did, you wonder what psychological damage will be inflicted upon the England team.

What are they going to do for the rest of series?

Surprising Comeback

I do not think no one expected what transpired on the weekend. When you examine the quantity of deliveries required to finish the game, it was Test cricket on accelerated pace.

England were well on top at the midday break on the second day, leading by 105 runs with most wickets in hand. The pitch 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 major downfall. Scott Boland put in probably his worst performance in an national colors 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 wide of off-stump, in the air, towards cover region.

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

Adaptation Issues

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

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 Brendon McCullum, they can be pretty stubborn when it comes to sticking with that method.

It is acceptable on slow, low pitches. On the fast, bouncy pitches of Australia it is a approach full of danger. If England fail to reconsider, they will face difficulties for the whole series.

Pacer's Viewpoint

As a paceman, I would have always felt in the game against this England team.

I depended on my precision, backing myself to land the same spot around off stump, with a some bounce and movement.

Even if this England team was performing strongly, I'd be eagerly anticipating at the prospect of bowling to them, knowing one mistake could result in multiple wickets.

Skill and Resilience

There are occasions when England can be a high-quality team. They have good players. Competent cricketers have ability, but exceptional athletes have the psychological strength and attitude to be adaptable enough for the situation.

They would been shellshocked 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 improve.

Pace Attack Issues

It was similar with their bowling. England's attack was very good on the opening day, then lost the plot when they were put under pressure on the second night.

In the longest format, all disciplines require a backup strategy. Quite often it feels like England have a single approach, then no alternatives if that does not work.

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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 Ashes cricket, two overs behind Adam Gilchrist at the Perth ground previously – a match I played in.

My old mate Gilly said the performance was the better of the two. I concur. Considering the difficulty of the pitch and the context of the game circumstances, Head's knock will be remembered as a highlight of cricket lore.

Strategic Decisions

It was a bold and brave move for Australia to elevate Head in the lineup for the second innings.

The opener has faced criticism for being unable to open in either innings. He had muscle issues after playing golf 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 bogged down.

In promoting the aggressive batsman, who has the confidence of starting 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 method of aggression at the top of the order.

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

Series Outlook

After the opening match was controlled by the bowlers, some are wondering if the rest of series will be brief, low-run Tests.

Perth Stadium is pretty much the quickest, liveliest pitch in the world, so the batsmen should get a little bit of relief from now on.

It is not all about the pitch. Recognition has to be awarded to the pacemen for delivering the ball in the correct areas so often. Overall, batsmen on each team will need to look at how they got themselves out.

Crucial Next Test

Now we move on to the next venue, and the vastly different day-night conditions for the following match.

In the historic series, I was part of the national side that dominated England to win 5-0. The rivalry in this country have a tendency of getting away from England quickly.

At the present, England are just one match down. There would be no recovery from two down, which is why the venue is such a crucial game.

They must adapt, or the Ashes will be lost once more.

Ashley Bush
Ashley Bush

Elara is a seasoned gaming writer with a passion for online slots and casino strategies, helping players maximize their wins.