I Would Be Licking My Lips Bowling to the English Team - Glenn McGrath
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The Australian team to fight back and claim victory in the opening Ashes Test as decisively as they did, you wonder what scars will be inflicted upon the England team.
What are they going to do for the remaining series?
Surprising Comeback
I believe anyone anticipated what transpired on the weekend. When you look at the number of overs required to complete the game, it was Test cricket on accelerated pace.
England were clearly dominant at lunch on the following day, leading by 105 runs with most wickets in hand. The playing surface was still doing plenty. It looked so tough for Australia to get back into the match.
Shot Selection Woes
From that moment, England's shot selection was their major downfall. The Australian bowler put in probably his worst 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, in the air, towards cover region.
Attempting runs off those bowls, with those shots, is the one thing you just do not do as a batsman in Australia.
Adjustment Problems
It showed that England had not done their homework, are not able to adapt or are unwilling to adapt.
There is much discussion about England's method, their attacking philosophy. I observed it firsthand 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 strategy.
It is acceptable on sluggish pitches. On the fast, bouncy pitches of Australia it is a approach full of danger. If England do not reassess, they will face difficulties 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 precision, backing myself to hit the same spot around off stump, with a some bounce and movement.
Even if this England team was performing strongly, I'd be licking my lips at the idea of bowling to them, aware one mistake could bring three or four wickets.
Skill and Resilience
There are times when England can be a top-class team. They have good players. Good players have ability, but exceptional athletes have the mental toughness and attitude to be flexible enough for the situation.
They would been stunned 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, 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 attack was very good on the opening day, then lost direction when they were attacked on the following day.
In the longest format, all aspects require a Plan B. Quite often it seems England have one method, then nowhere to go if that fails.
'Where has this come from?' - The dismissal as England collapse in quick succession
Head's Masterclass
In fairness to England's bowlers, they were hit by one of the memorable Ashes innings by the Australian batsman.
His century off 69 deliveries was the second fastest by an Australian batsman in the historic rivalry, two overs behind Adam Gilchrist at the Perth ground 19 years ago – a match I played in.
My old mate Gilchrist said Head's innings was the superior of the two. I concur. Given the difficulty of the wicket and the context of the game situation, Head's knock will be remembered as a highlight of Ashes history.
Tactical Moves
It was a courageous move for Australia to promote Head up the order for the follow-on.
The opener has faced criticism for being failing to start in both attempts. He had muscle issues after playing golf the day before the Test, but I don't think the two were connected.
When Khawaja failed on the opening day, Australia promoted Marnus Labuschagne and got bogged down.
In moving the aggressive batsman, who has the confidence 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 top of the order.
That could mean Head remains, meaning someone like the all-rounder comes into the middle order, or return to number five and the all-rounder or the keeper could go to the opening. It would be tough on Khawaja, but sometimes you have to do what the opposition would find most challenging.
Tournament Perspective
After the first Test was controlled by the pace attack, questions arise if the rest of series will be short, low-scoring Tests.
The venue is essentially the quickest, liveliest pitch in the world, so the batsmen should get a some respite from now on.
It is not entirely about the pitch. Credit has to be awarded to the bowlers for getting the ball in the right place so often. In general, batsmen on each team will need to look at how they got themselves out.
Crucial Next Test
Now we progress to Brisbane, and the completely distinct twilight conditions for the following match.
In the historic series, I was part of the Australia team that overwhelmed England to win 5-0. Ashes series in this nation have a tendency of getting away from England quickly.
At the moment, England are only 1-0 down. There would be no coming back from 2-0, which is why the venue is such a crucial game.
They must adapt, or the Ashes will be gone again.