I Would Be Licking My Lips Facing England - McGrath

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The Australian team to fight back and win the first Ashes Test as decisively as they did, you wonder what scars will be inflicted upon the England team.

How will they respond for the remaining series?

Surprising Comeback

I believe no one anticipated what transpired on the weekend. When you examine the quantity of deliveries required to complete the game, it was the longest format on accelerated pace.

England were well on top at the midday break on the second day, leading by 105 runs with nine 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 point, England's shot selection was their major downfall. Scott Boland put in probably his worst performance in an national colors in the first innings, then turned it around in the subsequent innings to be the driving force for the comeback.

England's batters were out trying to hit balls wide of 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 preparation, are unable to adjust or are reluctant to adapt.

There is much discussion about England's approach, their attacking philosophy. I witnessed 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 method.

It is acceptable on sluggish pitches. On the fast, bouncy pitches of Australia it is a approach fraught with danger. If England do not reassess, they will face difficulties for the entire series.

Bowling Perspective

As a paceman, 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 licking my lips at the idea 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 exceptional athletes have the psychological strength and attitude to be flexible enough for the situation.

They would been stunned at the way things unfolded at the venue, devastated 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 adapt, just to show they can get better.

Bowling Concerns

It was almost the same with their bowling. England's bowling unit was excellent on the first evening, then lost direction when they were attacked on the following day.

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 six balls

Head's Masterclass

In fairness to England's bowlers, they were confronted with one of the memorable Ashes innings by Travis Head.

His 69-ball hundred was the second quickest by an Australian man in the historic rivalry, 12 balls behind the legendary keeper at the Perth ground 19 years ago – a match I participated in.

My old mate Gilchrist said Head's innings was the superior of the two. I agree. Considering the difficulty of the wicket and the context of the match circumstances, the innings will be remembered as a highlight of cricket lore.

Tactical Moves

It was a courageous move for Australia to elevate Head up the order for the second innings.

Usman Khawaja 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 do not believe the two were connected.

When the batsman missed out on the opening day, Australia advanced Marnus Labuschagne and got stuck.

In moving Head, 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 next match. I'd like to see them stick with the method of attacking play at the top of the order.

That could mean Head remains, meaning a player such as Beau Webster enters the middle order, or return to number five and Mitchell Marsh or the keeper could go to the opening. It would be tough on Khawaja, but occasionally you have to do what the opposition would find most uncomfortable.

Tournament Perspective

After the first Test was dominated by the pace attack, questions arise if the remaining series will be brief, low-run Tests.

The venue is pretty much the fastest, bounciest pitch in the global cricket, so the batsmen should get a some relief from now on.

It is not entirely about the wicket. Recognition has to be awarded to the bowlers for delivering the ball in the right place consistently. Overall, batsmen on both sides will need to look at how they were dismissed.

Pivotal Match

Now we move on to Brisbane, and the completely distinct day-night conditions for the following match.

In the historic series, 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 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 massive game.

They must adapt, or the historic urn will be gone again.

Toni Beck
Toni Beck

An avid hiker and travel writer with over a decade of experience exploring remote trails and sharing inspiring journeys.