I Would Be Licking My Lips Bowling to England - Glenn McGrath
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The Australian team to bounce back and claim victory in the first Ashes Test as decisively as they did, one questions what scars will be inflicted upon the England team.
How will they respond for the rest of series?
Surprising Comeback
I do not think no one expected what transpired on Saturday. When you examine the quantity of deliveries taken to complete the game, it was the longest format on accelerated pace.
England were clearly dominant at the midday break on the second day, 105 ahead with most wickets in hand. The playing surface 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. The Australian bowler put in arguably his poorest performance in an national colors in the initial batting, then completely reversed in the subsequent innings to be the catalyst for the comeback.
England's batters were out attempting to strike balls outside off stump, on the up, through the covers.
Attempting runs off those bowls, with those strokes, is the one thing you just should avoid as a batsman in Australia.
Adjustment Problems
It demonstrated that England had not done their homework, are not able to adapt or are unwilling to adapt.
There is much discussion about England's approach, their aggressive style. I observed it up close during the recent series in the UK. Under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, they can be quite rigid 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 full of danger. If England do not reassess, they will struggle for the whole series.
Pacer's Viewpoint
As a paceman, I would have always felt in the game against this England team.
I relied on my accuracy, having confidence to hit the identical area on or outside 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 facing them, aware a single error could result in three or four wickets.
Quality and Mental Toughness
There are occasions when England can be a high-quality team. They have talented individuals. Good players have skill, but exceptional athletes have the mental toughness and mindset to be flexible enough for the situation.
They would been shellshocked at the way events developed at the venue, crushed at the way they were beaten. Now we will see what they are made of. Even as a true blue Australian, I somewhat wants to see them change, just to show they can improve.
Bowling Concerns
It was almost the same with their bowling. England's bowling unit was excellent on the opening day, then lost the plot when they were put under pressure on the following day.
In the longest format, all aspects require a Plan B. Quite often it feels like England have a single approach, then no alternatives 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 69-ball hundred was the second quickest by an Australian man in Ashes cricket, 12 balls behind the legendary keeper at the Perth ground previously – a game I played in.
My old mate Gilly said Head's innings was the superior of the two. I agree. Given the difficulty of the wicket and the context of the game circumstances, Head's knock will be remembered as a highlight of Ashes history.
Tactical Moves
It was a courageous move for Australia to elevate Head up the order for the follow-on.
The opener has copped it for being failing to start in both attempts. He had back spasms after playing the sport the previous day the Test, but I don't think the two were connected.
When the batsman missed out on day one, Australia promoted Marnus Labuschagne and got bogged down.
In promoting the aggressive batsman, who has the experience of opening in limited overs, Australia were able to go on offensive to England.
Upcoming Decisions
Now there is the issue of what Australia will do for the second Test. I'd like to see them stick with the method of attacking play at the beginning.
That could mean Head remains, meaning someone like the all-rounder enters the batting lineup, or Head could go back to number five and Mitchell Marsh or the keeper could move to the top. 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 dominated by the bowlers, questions arise if the remaining series will be short, low-scoring Tests.
Perth Stadium is essentially the fastest, bounciest pitch in the world, so the batsmen should get a some respite from here onward.
It is not all about the pitch. Credit has to be given to the bowlers for getting the ball in the right place consistently. Overall, batters on each team will need to analyze how they got themselves out.
Pivotal Match
Now we move on to Brisbane, and the vastly different day-night conditions for the following match.
In the historic series, I was part of the Australia team that overwhelmed England to achieve 5-0. The rivalry in this nation have a tendency of slipping from England quickly.
At the moment, England are only 1-0 down. There would be no coming back from two down, which is why Brisbane is such a massive game.
They must adapt, or the Ashes will be lost again.