I Would Be Salivating Bowling to England - McGrath
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The Australian team to bounce back and win the opening Ashes Test so convincingly as they did, you wonder what scars will be inflicted upon the England team.
What are they going to do for the remaining series?
Unexpected Turnaround
I do not think anyone anticipated what happened on Saturday. When you look at the quantity of deliveries required to complete the game, it was the longest format on accelerated pace.
England were well on top at the midday break on the second day, 105 ahead with most wickets in hand. The pitch was still doing plenty. It looked extremely difficult for Australia to re-enter the match.
Shot Selection Woes
From that point, England's choice of strokes was their big undoing. 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 driving force 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 bowls, with those strokes, is the precise action you just do not do as a batter in Australia.
Adjustment Problems
It demonstrated that England had not done their preparation, are not able to adapt or are reluctant to adapt.
There is a lot of talk about England's method, their attacking philosophy. I observed it up close during the recent series in the UK. Under their captain and Brendon McCullum, they can be quite rigid when it comes to adhering to that strategy.
It is fine on slow, low pitches. On the fast, bouncy pitches of Australia it is a method full of danger. If England do not reassess, they will struggle for the whole series.
Pacer's Viewpoint
As a paceman, I would have consistently believed in the contest 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 performing strongly, I'd be licking my lips at the prospect of bowling to them, knowing a single error could bring three or four wickets.
Skill and Resilience
There are times when England can be a top-class team. They have talented individuals. Competent cricketers have ability, but exceptional athletes have the mental toughness and attitude to be flexible enough for the situation.
They would been stunned at the way things unfolded at Perth Stadium, devastated at the way they were beaten. Now we will see what they are capable of. Even as a true blue Australian, I somewhat wants to see them adapt, just to show they can get better.
Bowling Concerns
It was similar with their bowling. England's attack was excellent on the first evening, then lost direction when they were attacked on the second night.
In the longest format, all aspects require a backup strategy. Frequently it feels like England have a single approach, 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 pace attack, they were hit by one of the great Ashes innings by the Australian batsman.
His century off 69 deliveries was the second quickest by an Australian batsman in the historic rivalry, 12 balls behind the legendary keeper at the Perth ground previously – a game I played in.
My old mate Gilly said the performance was the superior of the two. I concur. Considering the difficulty of the wicket and the situation of the game situation, the innings will be remembered as a highlight of Ashes history.
Strategic Decisions
It was a courageous move for Australia to promote the batsman up the order for the follow-on.
The opener has copped it for being unable to open in both attempts. He had muscle issues after playing the sport the previous day the Test, but I do not believe the two were connected.
When the batsman failed on the opening day, Australia advanced Marnus Labuschagne and got stuck.
In moving Head, who has the confidence of starting 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 continue the method of aggression at the top of the order.
That could mean continuation at the top, meaning a player such as Beau Webster comes into the batting lineup, or return to his position and the all-rounder or Josh Inglis could go to the top. It would be tough on the batsman, but occasionally you have to do what the rival team would find most challenging.
Tournament Perspective
After the opening match was dominated by the pace attack, some are wondering if the remaining series will be short, low-scoring Tests.
Perth Stadium is essentially the quickest, liveliest pitch in the world, so the batsmen should get a some respite from now on.
It is not entirely about the wicket. Recognition has to be awarded to the bowlers for delivering the ball in the right place so often. In general, batters on both sides will need to analyze how they were dismissed.
Pivotal Match
Now we move on to the next venue, and the completely distinct twilight conditions for the second Test.
In 2006-07, I was part of the national side that overwhelmed England to achieve 5-0. Ashes series in this nation have a habit of getting away from England rapidly.
At the present, England are just one match down. There would be no recovery from two down, which is why Brisbane is such a massive game.
They need to adjust, or the historic urn will be lost once more.
