🔗 Share this article I'd Be Salivating Facing the English Team - Glenn McGrath Published9 minutes ago 4 Comments The Australian team to bounce back and claim victory in the first Ashes Test as decisively as they did, one questions what scars will be inflicted upon the England team. How will they respond for the rest of series? Surprising Comeback I do not think anyone anticipated what transpired on the weekend. When you examine the number of overs taken to finish the game, it was the longest format on accelerated pace. England were clearly dominant at the midday break on the following day, 105 ahead with nine wickets in hand. The playing surface was still offering assistance. It looked extremely difficult for Australia to re-enter the match. Shot Selection Woes 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 initial batting, then completely reversed in the subsequent innings to be the driving force for the comeback. England's batsmen were out attempting to strike balls wide of off-stump, in the air, through the covers. Trying to score off those bowls, with those strokes, is the one thing you just do not do as a batter in Australia. Adaptation Issues It demonstrated that England had not done their preparation, are unable to adjust or are reluctant to change approach. There is much discussion about England's method, their aggressive style. 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 slow, low pitches. On the quick, lively 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 bowler, I would have always felt in the contest against this England team. I relied on my accuracy, 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 eagerly anticipating at the idea of facing them, aware one mistake could result in multiple wickets. Skill and Resilience There are times when England can be a high-quality team. They have good players. Good players have ability, but great players have the psychological strength and mindset to be flexible enough for the conditions. They would been stunned at the way things unfolded at Perth Stadium, crushed at the way they were defeated. 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. Bowling Concerns It was almost the same with their pace attack. England's attack was excellent on the opening day, then lost the plot when they were attacked on the second night. In Test cricket, all aspects require a Plan B. Quite often it feels like England have a single approach, then no alternatives if that does not work. 'Where has this come from?' - Starc bowls Root as England lose third wicket in six balls Brilliant Innings In fairness to England's pace attack, they were hit by one of the great Ashes innings by the Australian batsman. His 69-ball hundred was the second fastest by an Australian batsman in the historic rivalry, 12 balls behind Adam Gilchrist at the Perth ground previously – a game I participated in. My old mate Gilchrist said the performance was the superior of the two. I concur. Given the challenging nature of the pitch and the situation of the game situation, the innings will be remembered as a highlight of Ashes history. Tactical Moves It was a bold and brave move for Australia to elevate the batsman up the order for the second innings. Usman Khawaja has copped it for being failing to start in both attempts. He had back spasms after playing golf the day before the Test, but I don't think the two were connected. When Khawaja 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 go on offensive to England. Upcoming Decisions Now there is the question of what Australia will do for the next match. I'd like to see them stick with the approach of attacking play at the top of the order. That could mean Head remains, meaning a player such as Beau Webster comes into the middle order, or return to number five and the all-rounder or the keeper could move to the opening. It would be difficult for the batsman, but sometimes you have to do what the rival team would find most challenging. Tournament Perspective After the opening match was dominated by the bowlers, some are wondering if the remaining series will be brief, low-run Tests. The venue is essentially the quickest, liveliest pitch in the world, so the batters should get a some relief from here onward. It is not entirely about the pitch. Credit has to be awarded to the bowlers for getting the ball in the correct areas so often. In general, batters on each team will need to look at how they got themselves out. Pivotal Match Now we move on to Brisbane, and the vastly different day-night conditions for the following match. In 2006-07, I was a member of the Australia team that overwhelmed England to win 5-0. The rivalry in this country have a habit of getting away from England rapidly. At the present, England are just one match down. There would be no recovery from two down, which is why the venue is such a crucial game. They must adapt, or the Ashes will be gone once more.