I Would Be Salivating Facing the English Team - McGrath

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The Australian team to fight back and win the first Ashes Test as decisively as they did, one questions what scars will be left on the England team.

What are they going to do for the rest of series?

Unexpected Turnaround

I believe anyone expected what transpired on Saturday. When you examine the quantity of deliveries required to complete the game, it was Test cricket on fast forward.

England were well on top at the midday break on the second day, leading by 105 runs with most wickets in hand. The pitch was still offering assistance. It looked so tough for Australia to re-enter 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 Australia shirt in the first innings, then completely reversed in the subsequent innings to be the driving force for the recovery.

England's batters were out trying to hit balls outside off stump, in the air, towards cover region.

Trying to score off those deliveries, with those strokes, is the one thing you just should avoid as a batsman in Australia.

Adjustment Problems

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

There is much discussion about England's method, their attacking philosophy. I observed it up close during the recent series in the UK. Under their captain and their coach, they can be quite rigid when it comes to adhering to that method.

It is acceptable on slow, low pitches. On the quick, lively pitches of Australia it is a approach full of danger. If England fail to reconsider, they will struggle for the whole series.

Pacer's Viewpoint

As a bowler, I would have always felt in the game against this England team.

I relied on my accuracy, backing myself to hit the identical area on or outside off stump, with a some 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 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. Competent cricketers have ability, but great players have the mental toughness and mindset to be adaptable enough for the situation.

They would been stunned 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 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 bowling unit was excellent on the opening day, then lost the plot when they were put under pressure on the second night.

In Test cricket, all aspects require a backup strategy. Frequently it seems England have one method, then no alternatives if that does not work.

'Where has this come from?' - The dismissal as England collapse in quick succession

Brilliant Innings

In fairness to England's pace attack, they were hit by one of the memorable Ashes innings by Travis Head.

His 69-ball hundred was the second quickest by an Australian batsman in the historic rivalry, two overs behind Adam Gilchrist at the Perth ground 19 years ago – a game I played in.

My former teammate Gilchrist said Head's innings was the better of the two. I agree. Given the challenging nature of the pitch and the situation of the game circumstances, the innings will go down as a highlight of cricket lore.

Strategic Decisions

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

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

In moving the aggressive batsman, who has the experience of starting in limited overs, Australia were able to go on offensive to England.

Future Considerations

Now there is the question of what Australia will do for the second Test. I'd like to see them continue the method of aggression at the beginning.

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 Mitchell Marsh or the keeper could go to the top. It would be tough on the batsman, but sometimes you have to do what the opposition would find most uncomfortable.

Tournament Perspective

After the opening match was dominated by the bowlers, some are wondering if the remaining series will be short, low-scoring Tests.

The venue is pretty much the fastest, bounciest pitch in the global cricket, so the batsmen should get a little bit of relief from here onward.

It is not all about the pitch. Credit has to be given to the bowlers for delivering the ball in the correct areas consistently. Overall, batsmen on both sides will need to analyze how they got themselves out.

Crucial Next Test

Now we progress to the next venue, and the vastly different day-night conditions for the following match.

In 2006-07, I was part of the national side that dominated England to achieve 5-0. The rivalry in this nation have a tendency of getting away from England quickly.

At the present, England are only 1-0 down. There would be no recovery from 2-0, which is why the venue is such a massive game.

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

Belinda Gonzalez
Belinda Gonzalez

A passionate writer and life coach dedicated to sharing transformative experiences and empowering others through storytelling.