I'd Be Licking My Lips Facing England - McGrath

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The Australian team to bounce back and win the first Ashes Test as decisively as they did, one questions 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 look at the quantity of deliveries required to finish the game, it was the longest format on accelerated pace.

England were clearly dominant at the midday break on the second day, leading by 105 runs with most wickets in hand. The playing surface was still doing plenty. It looked so tough for Australia to get back into 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 turned it around in the second to be the driving force for the recovery.

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 strokes, is the one thing you just should avoid as a batter in Australia.

Adjustment Problems

It showed that England had failed to complete their homework, are unable to adapt or are unwilling to change approach.

There is much discussion about England's approach, their aggressive style. I observed it up close during the 2023 Ashes 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 quick, lively pitches of Australia it is a method full of danger. If England fail to reconsider, they will face difficulties for the whole 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 on or outside off stump, with a some bounce and movement.

Even if this England team was going well, I'd be licking my lips at the idea of facing them, knowing a single error could result in three or four wickets.

Quality and Mental Toughness

There are times when England can be a top-class team. They have good players. Good players have ability, but exceptional athletes have the mental toughness and attitude to be flexible enough for the conditions.

They would been shellshocked at the way events developed at the venue, crushed at the way they were defeated. Now we will see what they are capable of. Even as a loyal Australian, I somewhat 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 following day.

In the longest format, all aspects require a Plan B. Frequently it seems England have a single approach, then nowhere to go if that does not work.

'Where has this come from?' - The dismissal as England collapse in six balls

Brilliant Innings

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

His 69-ball hundred was the second quickest by an Australian batsman in Ashes cricket, 12 balls behind the legendary keeper at the Waca previously – a match I participated in.

My former teammate Gilly said Head's innings was the superior of the two. I agree. Given the difficulty of the wicket and the context of the match situation, Head's knock will go down as a highlight of cricket lore.

Tactical Moves

It was a bold and brave move for Australia to elevate Head in the lineup for the follow-on.

Usman Khawaja 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 Khawaja missed out on day one, Australia advanced their number three and got stuck.

In moving the aggressive batsman, who has the experience 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 next match. I'd like to see them stick with the method of aggression at the beginning.

That could mean Head remains, meaning someone like Beau Webster enters the batting lineup, or Head could go back to his position and the all-rounder or Josh Inglis could move to the top. It would be difficult for Khawaja, but sometimes you have to do what the opposition would find most uncomfortable.

Series Outlook

After the first Test was controlled by the pace attack, some are wondering if the rest of series will be short, low-scoring Tests.

Perth Stadium is essentially the fastest, bounciest pitch in the world, so the batters should get a little bit of respite from here onward.

It is not all about the pitch. Credit has to be given to the pacemen for delivering the ball in the right place consistently. Overall, batters on both sides will need to look at how they got themselves out.

Crucial Next Test

Now we move on to Brisbane, and the vastly different twilight conditions for the second Test.

In 2006-07, I was a member of the Australia team that dominated England to win 5-0. The rivalry in this country have a tendency of slipping from England quickly.

At the present, England are only 1-0 down. There would be no coming back from 2-0, which is why Brisbane is such a crucial game.

They need to adjust, or the historic urn will be lost again.

Vickie Lawrence
Vickie Lawrence

AI researcher and software engineer with a passion for demystifying complex technologies through accessible writing.