I Would Be Licking My Lips Facing England - McGrath

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For Australia to fight back and win the opening Ashes Test so convincingly as they did, one questions what psychological damage will be inflicted upon the England team.

How will they respond for the rest of series?

Surprising Comeback

I believe no one expected what transpired on Saturday. When you examine the number of overs taken to complete the game, it was the longest format on accelerated pace.

England were well on top at the midday break on the following day, leading by 105 runs with most wickets in hand. The playing surface was still offering assistance. 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 Australia shirt in the first innings, then turned it around 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 deliveries, with those shots, is the one thing you just should avoid as a batsman in Australia.

Adaptation Issues

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

There is a lot of talk about England's approach, their aggressive style. I observed it up close during the 2023 Ashes 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 sluggish pitches. On the fast, bouncy pitches of Australia it is a method fraught with danger. If England do not reassess, they will face difficulties for the entire series.

Pacer's Viewpoint

As a bowler, I would have consistently believed in the contest against this England team.

I depended on my accuracy, having confidence to hit the identical area on or outside off stump, with a bit of bounce and nip.

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 three or four wickets.

Quality and Mental Toughness

There are occasions when England can be a high-quality team. They have good players. Good players have skill, but great players have the mental toughness and mindset to be adaptable enough for the situation.

They would been shellshocked at the way events developed 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 change, just to show they can get better.

Bowling Concerns

It was similar with their pace attack. England's attack was very good on the first evening, then lost the plot when they were attacked on the following day.

In Test cricket, all aspects require a Plan B. Frequently it seems England have one method, then no alternatives if that fails.

'Where has this come from?' - Starc bowls Root as England collapse in quick succession

Brilliant Innings

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

His 69-ball hundred was the second quickest by an Australian batsman in the historic rivalry, 12 balls behind Adam Gilchrist at the Waca previously – a match I participated in.

My old mate Gilchrist said the performance was the better of the two. I agree. Considering the challenging nature of the pitch and the context of the match circumstances, the innings will be remembered as a moment of cricket lore.

Tactical Moves

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

Usman Khawaja has faced criticism for being failing to start in both attempts. He had muscle issues after playing the sport the day before the Test, but I don't think the two were linked.

When the batsman failed on the opening day, Australia advanced their number three and got bogged down.

In moving Head, who has the experience of starting in white-ball cricket, 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 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 middle order, or Head could go back to his position and the all-rounder or the keeper could move to the opening. It would be difficult for the batsman, but sometimes you have to do what the rival team would find most uncomfortable.

Series Outlook

After the first Test was controlled by the bowlers, questions arise 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 now on.

It is not entirely about the wicket. Recognition has to be awarded to the pacemen for getting the ball in the correct areas consistently. In general, batters on each team will need to analyze how they were dismissed.

Crucial Next Test

Now we move on to Brisbane, and the completely distinct twilight conditions for the following match.

In the historic series, I was a member of the national side that dominated England to win 5-0. Ashes series 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 two down, which is why Brisbane is such a crucial game.

They must adapt, or the Ashes will be gone again.