I Would Be Licking My Lips Facing England - McGrath
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The Australian team to bounce 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.
What are they going to do for the remaining series?
Surprising Comeback
I do not think no one anticipated what happened on the weekend. When you look at the quantity of deliveries required to finish the game, it was Test cricket on accelerated pace.
England were well on top at the midday break on the following 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 choice of strokes was their major downfall. Scott Boland put in arguably his poorest performance in an national colors in the initial batting, then completely reversed in the second to be the catalyst for the recovery.
England's batters were out trying to hit balls outside off stump, in the air, through the covers.
Attempting runs off those deliveries, with those shots, is the precise action you just do not do as a batsman in Australia.
Adaptation Issues
It demonstrated that England had not done their preparation, are unable to adjust or are unwilling to change approach.
There is a lot of talk about England's method, their aggressive style. I observed it firsthand during the recent series in the UK. Under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, they can be quite rigid when it comes to adhering to that strategy.
It is acceptable on slow, low pitches. On the quick, lively pitches of Australia it is a method fraught with 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 depended on my precision, having confidence to land the identical area around off stump, with a bit of bounce and nip.
Even if this England team was performing strongly, I'd be licking my lips at the idea of facing them, aware one mistake could bring three or four wickets.
Quality and Mental Toughness
There are occasions when England can be a top-class team. They have good players. Good players have ability, but great players have the psychological strength and attitude to be adaptable enough for the conditions.
They would been stunned at the way events developed at the venue, devastated at the way they were defeated. Now we will see what they are made of. Even as a true blue Australian, I somewhat wants to see them adapt, just to show they can get better.
Pace Attack Issues
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 attacked on the second night.
In the longest format, all aspects require a Plan B. Frequently it feels like England have a single approach, then no alternatives if that does not work.
'Where has this come from?' - The dismissal 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, two overs behind the legendary keeper at the Perth ground previously – a game 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 context of the game circumstances, Head's knock will be remembered as a moment of Ashes history.
Strategic Decisions
It was a bold and brave move for Australia to elevate Head up the order for the follow-on.
The opener has faced criticism for being failing to start in both attempts. He had back spasms after playing golf the previous day the Test, but I do not believe the two were linked.
When the batsman failed on day one, Australia advanced their number three and got stuck.
In moving Head, who has the confidence of starting in limited overs, Australia were able to take the attack to England.
Upcoming Decisions
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 top of the order.
That could mean Head remains, meaning a player such as the all-rounder enters the batting lineup, or return to his position and the all-rounder or the keeper could move to the top. It would be tough on the batsman, but sometimes you have to do what the opposition would find most uncomfortable.
Series Outlook
After the first Test was controlled by the bowlers, questions arise if the remaining series will be short, low-scoring Tests.
The venue is pretty much the quickest, liveliest pitch in the global cricket, so the batters should get a little bit of respite from now on.
It is not all about the pitch. Recognition has to be awarded to the pacemen for delivering the ball in the correct areas consistently. Overall, batters on both sides will need to look at how they got themselves out.
Pivotal Match
Now we move on to Brisbane, and the vastly different twilight conditions for the following match.
In the historic series, I was a member of the national side that overwhelmed England to achieve 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 need to adjust, or the historic urn will be lost once more.
