I Would Be Licking My Lips Bowling to the English Team - McGrath
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For Australia to bounce back and win the opening Ashes Test as decisively as they did, one questions what psychological damage will be left on the England team.
How will they respond for the rest of series?
Unexpected Turnaround
I believe anyone expected what happened on Saturday. When you examine the quantity of deliveries taken to complete the game, it was the longest format on accelerated pace.
England were clearly dominant at lunch on the second day, 105 ahead with most wickets in hand. The pitch was still offering assistance. It looked extremely difficult for Australia to get back into the match.
Shot Selection Woes
From that point, England's shot selection was their big undoing. Scott Boland put in probably his worst performance in an Australia shirt in the first innings, then turned it around in the second to be the driving force for the recovery.
England's batsmen were out attempting to strike 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 batter in Australia.
Adjustment Problems
It showed that England had failed to complete their homework, are unable to adjust or are reluctant to adapt.
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 their captain and Brendon McCullum, they can be pretty stubborn when it comes to adhering to that strategy.
It is fine on sluggish pitches. On the fast, bouncy pitches of Australia it is a method fraught with danger. If England fail to reconsider, they will face difficulties for the whole series.
Bowling Perspective
As a paceman, I would have always felt in the contest against this England team.
I depended on my precision, having confidence to land the identical area on or outside off stump, with a some bounce and movement.
Even if this England team was performing strongly, I'd be licking my lips at the prospect of bowling to them, aware a single error could bring multiple wickets.
Quality and Mental Toughness
There are times when England can be a top-class team. They have good players. Good players have ability, but exceptional athletes have the psychological strength and attitude to be flexible enough for the conditions.
They would been stunned at the way things unfolded 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, I somewhat wants to see them change, just to show they can get better.
Pace Attack Issues
It was almost the same with their pace attack. England's attack was excellent on the opening day, then lost direction when they were attacked on the following day.
In Test cricket, all aspects require a Plan B. Frequently it feels like England have one method, then no alternatives if that does not work.
'Where has this come from?' - The dismissal as England lose third wicket in quick succession
Brilliant Innings
In fairness to England's bowlers, they were confronted with one of the great Ashes innings by Travis Head.
His 69-ball hundred was the second fastest by an Australian man in Ashes cricket, 12 balls behind the legendary keeper at the Waca 19 years ago – a match I played in.
My old mate Gilchrist said the performance was the superior of the two. I concur. Considering the difficulty of the wicket and the context of the match situation, the innings will be remembered as a highlight of Ashes history.
Tactical Moves
It was a bold and brave move for Australia to promote Head in the lineup for the follow-on.
Usman Khawaja has copped it for being unable to open 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 Khawaja missed out on the opening day, Australia advanced their number three and got bogged down.
In promoting the aggressive batsman, who has the experience of opening in limited overs, 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 method of attacking play at the top of the order.
That could mean continuation at the top, meaning someone like the all-rounder comes into the middle order, 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 sometimes you have to do what the rival team would find most uncomfortable.
Tournament Perspective
After the first Test was dominated by the pace attack, questions arise if the remaining series will be short, low-scoring Tests.
The venue is pretty much the fastest, bounciest pitch in the world, so the batters should get a some relief from now on.
It is not entirely about the wicket. Credit has to be given to the bowlers for getting the ball in the correct areas so often. In general, batters on both sides will need to look at how they got themselves out.
Crucial Next Test
Now we move on to the next venue, and the vastly different twilight conditions for the following match.
In 2006-07, I was part of the Australia team that overwhelmed England to achieve 5-0. The rivalry in this country have a tendency of slipping from England rapidly.
At the moment, England are just one match down. There would be no coming back from two down, which is why the venue is such a crucial game.
They need to adjust, or the Ashes will be lost once more.