I Would Be Salivating Facing the English Team - McGrath

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For Australia to bounce back and claim victory in the opening Ashes Test so convincingly as they did, one questions what psychological damage will be left on 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 the weekend. When you look at the number of overs taken to complete the game, it was Test cricket on fast forward.

England were clearly dominant at lunch on the second day, 105 ahead with most wickets in hand. The pitch was still doing plenty. It looked extremely difficult for Australia to get back into the match.

Batting Mistakes

From that moment, England's shot selection was their big undoing. Scott Boland put in probably his worst performance in an Australia shirt in the initial batting, then turned it around in the subsequent innings to be the catalyst for the recovery.

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

Trying to score off those bowls, with those strokes, is the one thing you just do not do as a batsman in Australia.

Adjustment Problems

It demonstrated that England had not done their homework, are not able to adapt or are reluctant to change approach.

There is a lot of talk about England's method, their attacking philosophy. I observed it up close during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Under Ben Stokes and their coach, they can be quite rigid when it comes to sticking with that strategy.

It is fine on slow, low pitches. On the quick, lively pitches of Australia it is a method full of danger. If England do not reassess, they will face difficulties for the entire 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 on or outside off stump, with a bit of 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 bring multiple wickets.

Skill and Resilience

There are times when England can be a high-quality team. They have talented individuals. Competent cricketers have ability, but exceptional athletes have the psychological strength and mindset to be adaptable enough for the situation.

They would been shellshocked at the way things unfolded at Perth Stadium, devastated at the way they were defeated. Now we will see what they are capable of. Even as a true blue Australian, part of me wants to see them adapt, just to show they can get better.

Pace Attack Issues

It was almost the same with their pace attack. England's attack was excellent on the opening day, then lost the plot when they were attacked on the following day.

In the longest format, all aspects require a backup strategy. Frequently it feels like England have one method, then nowhere to go if that does not work.

'Where has this come from?' - The dismissal as England collapse in quick succession

Head's Masterclass

In defense to England's pace attack, they were confronted with one of the memorable Ashes innings by Travis Head.

His century off 69 deliveries was the second quickest by an Australian batsman in the historic rivalry, two overs behind Adam Gilchrist at the Waca previously – a game I participated in.

My former teammate Gilly said Head's innings was the better of the two. I concur. Considering the challenging nature of the wicket and the situation of the match situation, Head's knock will go down as a moment of Ashes history.

Strategic Decisions

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

Usman Khawaja has faced criticism for being unable to open in both attempts. He had back spasms after playing golf the day before the Test, but I don't think the two were linked.

When the batsman missed out on the opening day, Australia promoted their number three and got bogged down.

In promoting Head, who has the confidence of starting in limited overs, Australia were able to go on offensive to England.

Future Considerations

Now there is the issue of what Australia will do for the second Test. I'd like to see them stick with the approach of attacking play at the beginning.

That could mean Head remains, meaning a player such as the all-rounder enters the batting lineup, or Head could go back to his position and Mitchell Marsh or the keeper could move to the top. It would be tough on Khawaja, but occasionally you have to do what the opposition would find most challenging.

Series Outlook

After the opening match was controlled by the bowlers, some are wondering if the remaining series will be short, low-scoring Tests.

Perth Stadium is pretty much the fastest, bounciest pitch in the global cricket, so the batters should get a some relief from now on.

It is not all about the wicket. Credit has to be given to the bowlers for getting the ball in the correct areas so often. In general, batters on both sides will need to analyze how they got themselves out.

Crucial Next Test

Now we progress to Brisbane, and the vastly different day-night conditions for the second Test.

In 2006-07, I was part of the Australia team that overwhelmed England to achieve 5-0. The rivalry in this country have a tendency of slipping from England rapidly.

At the present, 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 gone once more.