I'd Be Salivating Facing the English Team - Glenn McGrath

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For Australia 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.

How will they respond for the rest of series?

Unexpected Turnaround

I do not think anyone expected what transpired on the weekend. When you look at the number of overs required to finish the game, it was Test cricket on fast forward.

England were well on top at lunch on the following day, leading by 105 runs with nine wickets in hand. The playing surface was still offering assistance. It looked extremely difficult for Australia to get back into the match.

Batting Mistakes

From that moment, England's shot selection was their major downfall. Scott Boland put in arguably his poorest performance in an Australia shirt in the first innings, then turned it around in the subsequent innings to be the driving force for the comeback.

England's batsmen were out trying to hit balls wide of off-stump, in the air, through the covers.

Attempting runs off those deliveries, with those shots, is the one thing you just should avoid as a batter in Australia.

Adaptation Issues

It demonstrated that England had failed to complete their preparation, are not able to adjust or are reluctant to adapt.

There is a lot of talk about England's method, their attacking philosophy. 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 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 struggle for the entire series.

Bowling Perspective

As a bowler, I would have always felt in the contest against this England team.

I depended on my precision, having confidence to hit the same spot on or outside off stump, with a some bounce and movement.

Even if this England team was going well, I'd be licking my lips at the idea of facing them, knowing one mistake 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 skill, but exceptional athletes have the mental toughness and mindset to be adaptable enough for the conditions.

They would been stunned at the way things unfolded at Perth Stadium, devastated at the way they were defeated. Now we will see what they are capable of. Even as a loyal 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 excellent on the opening day, then lost the plot when they were attacked on the following day.

In the longest format, all aspects require a backup strategy. 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 hit by one of the memorable Ashes innings by the Australian batsman.

His 69-ball hundred was the second fastest by an Australian man in Ashes cricket, 12 balls behind the legendary keeper at the Waca previously – a game I played in.

My old mate Gilchrist said the performance was the better of the two. I concur. Considering the challenging nature of the pitch and the context of the game situation, the innings will go down as a moment of Ashes history.

Tactical Moves

It was a bold and brave move for Australia to elevate the batsman in the lineup for the second innings.

The opener has copped it for being unable to open in either innings. He had back spasms after playing golf the previous day the Test, but I do not believe the two were linked.

When Khawaja failed on day one, Australia advanced Marnus Labuschagne and got bogged down.

In promoting Head, who has the confidence of starting in white-ball cricket, Australia were able to go on offensive to England.

Upcoming Decisions

Now there is the issue of what Australia will do for the second Test. I'd like to see them stick with the method of aggression at the beginning.

That could mean continuation at the top, meaning a player such as Beau Webster enters the batting lineup, or return to number five and the all-rounder or Josh Inglis could go to the top. It would be difficult for Khawaja, but sometimes you have to do what the opposition would find most uncomfortable.

Tournament Perspective

After the opening match was controlled by the pace attack, some are wondering if the remaining series will be short, low-scoring Tests.

Perth Stadium is pretty much the quickest, liveliest pitch in the global cricket, so the batters should get a little bit of relief from here onward.

It is not entirely about the wicket. Recognition has to be given to the bowlers for getting the ball in the right place consistently. In general, batsmen on both sides will need to analyze how they got themselves out.

Crucial Next Test

Now we progress to the next venue, and the completely distinct day-night conditions for the following match.

In the historic series, I was part of the Australia team that dominated England to achieve 5-0. Ashes series in this nation have a habit of slipping from England quickly.

At the present, England are just one match down. There would be no recovery from 2-0, which is why Brisbane is such a massive game.

They must adapt, or the historic urn will be lost once more.

Peter Martinez
Peter Martinez

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