🔗 Share this article I'd Be Licking My Lips Facing England - McGrath Published9 minutes ago 4 Comments For Australia to fight back and claim victory in the first Ashes Test so convincingly as they did, one questions what scars will be inflicted upon the England team. How will they respond for the remaining series? Unexpected Turnaround I believe no one anticipated what happened on Saturday. When you examine 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 following day, 105 ahead with most wickets in hand. The playing surface was still offering assistance. It looked so tough for Australia to get back into the match. Batting Mistakes From that moment, England's choice of strokes was their major downfall. Scott Boland put in arguably his poorest performance in an Australia shirt in the initial batting, then turned it around in the second to be the driving force for the comeback. England's batters were out attempting to strike balls wide of off-stump, in the air, towards cover region. Trying to score off those deliveries, with those strokes, is the one thing you just do not do as a batsman in Australia. Adaptation Issues It demonstrated that England had not done their homework, are unable to adapt or are reluctant to change approach. 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 Ben Stokes and their coach, they can be pretty stubborn when it comes to adhering to that method. It is acceptable on sluggish pitches. On the quick, lively pitches of Australia it is a method full of danger. If England fail to reconsider, they will struggle for the entire series. Pacer's Viewpoint As a bowler, I would have always felt in the game against this England team. I depended on my precision, backing myself to hit the identical area around off stump, with a some bounce and nip. 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 multiple wickets. Skill and Resilience There are occasions when England can be a top-class team. They have talented individuals. Competent cricketers have skill, but great players have the psychological strength and attitude to be adaptable enough for the conditions. They would been shellshocked 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 loyal Australian, part of me wants to see them adapt, just to show they can improve. Pace Attack Issues It was almost the same with their pace attack. England's attack was excellent on the first evening, then lost the plot when they were attacked on the second night. In the longest format, all aspects require a Plan B. Frequently it seems England have a single approach, then no alternatives if that does not work. 'Where has this come from?' - Starc bowls Root as England collapse in quick succession Head's Masterclass In fairness 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 Ashes cricket, 12 balls behind the legendary keeper at the Waca 19 years ago – a match I participated in. My old mate Gilly said the performance was the better of the two. I agree. Considering the challenging nature of the wicket and the situation of the match situation, the innings 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 second innings. Usman Khawaja has faced criticism for being unable to open in both attempts. He had back spasms after playing golf the day before the Test, but I do not believe the two were linked. When Khawaja failed on day one, Australia advanced Marnus Labuschagne and got stuck. In moving Head, who has the confidence of opening in white-ball cricket, Australia were able to take the attack to England. Upcoming Decisions Now there is the issue of what Australia will do for the next match. I'd like to see them continue the approach of aggression at the beginning. That could mean Head remains, meaning someone like Beau Webster enters the batting lineup, or return to his position and the all-rounder or Josh Inglis could move to the top. It would be tough on the batsman, but occasionally you have to do what the rival team would find most challenging. Series Outlook After the opening match was controlled by the bowlers, some are wondering if the remaining series will be short, low-scoring Tests. The venue is essentially the fastest, bounciest pitch in the world, so the batsmen should get a some relief from now on. It is not entirely about the pitch. Recognition has to be awarded to the bowlers for delivering the ball in the correct areas consistently. In general, batters on both sides will need to analyze how they were dismissed. Crucial Next Test Now we progress to the next venue, 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 habit of slipping from England rapidly. 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 gone again.