I'd Be Salivating Bowling to England - McGrath
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For Australia to bounce back and claim victory in the first 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 anyone anticipated what happened on the weekend. When you look at the number of overs required to finish the game, it was the longest format on fast forward.
England were well on top at lunch on the following day, 105 ahead with most wickets in hand. The pitch was still offering assistance. It looked extremely difficult for Australia to get back into the match.
Batting Mistakes
From that point, England's shot selection was their big undoing. The Australian bowler put in probably his worst performance in an national colors in the first innings, then turned it around in the second to be the catalyst for the recovery.
England's batters were out trying to hit balls wide of off-stump, in the air, towards cover region.
Attempting runs off those bowls, with those shots, is the one thing you just should avoid as a batter in Australia.
Adjustment Problems
It showed that England had failed to complete their preparation, are not able to adapt or are reluctant to adapt.
There is much discussion about England's approach, their aggressive style. I witnessed it firsthand during the recent series in the UK. Under Ben Stokes and their coach, 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 method full of danger. If England do not reassess, they will face difficulties 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 identical area on or outside off stump, with a bit of bounce and movement.
Even if this England team was going well, 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 good players. Competent cricketers have ability, but exceptional athletes have the mental toughness and attitude to be adaptable enough for the conditions.
They would been stunned at the way things unfolded at the venue, 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 change, just to show they can improve.
Bowling Concerns
It was almost the same 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 following day.
In Test cricket, all aspects require a Plan B. Frequently it feels like England have one method, then nowhere to go if that fails.
'Where has this come from?' - The dismissal as England collapse in six balls
Brilliant Innings
In defense to England's bowlers, they were hit by one of the great Ashes innings by the Australian batsman.
His century off 69 deliveries was the second fastest by an Australian batsman in Ashes cricket, 12 balls behind the legendary keeper at the Waca previously – a match I played in.
My old mate Gilchrist said the performance was the superior of the two. I agree. Given the difficulty of the wicket and the context of the match circumstances, Head's knock will go down as a moment of Ashes history.
Tactical Moves
It was a bold and brave move for Australia to promote Head in the lineup for the follow-on.
The opener has faced criticism for being failing to start in both attempts. He had muscle issues after playing golf the previous day the Test, but I don't think the two were connected.
When Khawaja missed out on the opening day, Australia promoted Marnus Labuschagne and got stuck.
In promoting the aggressive batsman, who has the confidence of opening in white-ball cricket, Australia were able to take the attack to England.
Future Considerations
Now there is the issue of what Australia will do for the next match. I'd like to see them continue the approach of attacking play at the top of the order.
That could mean continuation at the top, meaning a player such as the all-rounder comes into the middle order, or return to number five and Mitchell Marsh or the keeper could go to the top. It would be tough on Khawaja, but sometimes you have to do what the rival team would find most challenging.
Tournament Perspective
After the opening match was dominated by the pace attack, questions arise if the remaining series will be short, low-scoring Tests.
The venue is pretty much the quickest, liveliest pitch in the world, so the batsmen should get a some relief from here onward.
It is not all about the pitch. Recognition has to be given to the pacemen for delivering the ball in the correct areas consistently. Overall, batters on each team will need to look at how they were dismissed.
Crucial Next Test
Now we move on to Brisbane, and the completely distinct day-night conditions for the following match.
In the historic series, I was part of the Australia team that overwhelmed England to win 5-0. The rivalry in this country have a habit of slipping from England rapidly.
At the present, England are only 1-0 down. There would be no recovery from 2-0, which is why Brisbane is such a massive game.
They must adapt, or the Ashes will be gone again.