🔗 Share this article I'd Be Salivating Bowling to the English Team - McGrath Published9 minutes ago 4 Comments The Australian team to fight back and win the first Ashes Test so convincingly 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 do not think no one anticipated what happened on Saturday. When you examine the number of overs taken to finish the game, it was Test cricket on accelerated pace. England were clearly dominant 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 re-enter the match. Batting Mistakes From that moment, England's choice of strokes was their big undoing. The Australian bowler put in probably his worst performance in an national colors in the initial batting, then completely reversed in the second to be the catalyst for the comeback. England's batsmen were out trying to hit balls wide of off-stump, in the air, towards cover region. Trying to score off those bowls, with those strokes, 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 reluctant to change approach. There is a lot of talk about England's approach, their aggressive style. I witnessed it firsthand during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Under their captain and Brendon McCullum, they can be quite rigid when it comes to adhering to that method. It is acceptable on sluggish pitches. On the quick, lively pitches of Australia it is a approach fraught with danger. If England fail to reconsider, they will face difficulties for the entire 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 around off stump, with a bit of bounce and nip. Even if this England team was going well, I'd be licking my lips at the prospect of bowling to them, aware a single error could result in three or four wickets. Quality and Mental Toughness There are occasions when England can be a top-class team. They have talented individuals. Competent cricketers have skill, but great players have the mental toughness and attitude to be flexible enough for the situation. They would been stunned at the way things unfolded at Perth Stadium, crushed at the way they were beaten. 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. Pace Attack Issues It was similar with their pace attack. England's bowling unit was excellent on the first evening, then lost the plot when they were attacked on the second night. In Test cricket, all disciplines require a Plan B. Frequently it seems England have one method, then no alternatives if that does not work. 'Where has this come from?' - Starc bowls Root as England lose third wicket in six balls Head's Masterclass 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 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 old mate Gilchrist said the performance was the superior of the two. I agree. Given the difficulty of the wicket and the situation of the game circumstances, Head's knock will go down as a highlight of Ashes history. Strategic Decisions It was a courageous move for Australia to promote the batsman up the order for the follow-on. The opener has faced criticism for being failing to start in either innings. He had muscle issues after playing the sport the day before 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 moving the aggressive batsman, who has the confidence of opening in limited overs, 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 attacking play at the beginning. That could mean Head remains, meaning someone like the all-rounder comes into the batting lineup, or Head could go back to number five and Mitchell Marsh or Josh Inglis could go to the opening. It would be difficult for Khawaja, but occasionally you have to do what the opposition would find most uncomfortable. Series Outlook After the first Test was dominated by the pace attack, some are wondering if the rest of series will be brief, low-run Tests. Perth Stadium is essentially the quickest, liveliest pitch in the world, so the batsmen should get a some relief from here onward. It is not entirely about the pitch. Recognition has to be given to the pacemen for getting the ball in the correct areas so often. Overall, batsmen on both sides will need to look at how they were dismissed. Crucial Next Test Now we progress to the next venue, and the completely distinct twilight conditions for the following match. In 2006-07, I was a member of the national side that dominated England to achieve 5-0. The rivalry in this country have a habit of getting away from England rapidly. At the present, England are only 1-0 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.