I Would Be Licking My Lips Bowling to the English Team - Glenn McGrath

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The Australian team to fight back and claim victory in the opening Ashes Test so convincingly as they did, you wonder what psychological damage will be left on the England team.

What are they going to do for the rest of series?

Unexpected Turnaround

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

England were well on top at lunch on the following day, 105 ahead with most wickets in hand. The playing surface was still offering assistance. It looked so tough for Australia to get back into the match.

Shot Selection Woes

From that point, England's choice of strokes was their major downfall. The Australian bowler put in probably his worst performance in an Australia shirt in the initial batting, then turned it around in the second to be the driving force for the comeback.

England's batters were out attempting to strike balls outside off stump, on the up, through the covers.

Trying to score off those deliveries, with those shots, is the one thing you just do not do as a batter in Australia.

Adaptation Issues

It demonstrated that England had failed to complete their homework, are unable to adjust or are reluctant to change approach.

There is a lot of talk about England's approach, their aggressive style. I observed it firsthand during the recent series in the UK. Under Ben Stokes and their coach, they can be pretty stubborn when it comes to sticking with that method.

It is acceptable on sluggish pitches. On the quick, lively pitches of Australia it is a method fraught with danger. If England do not reassess, they will struggle for the whole series.

Pacer's Viewpoint

As a paceman, I would have consistently believed in the game against this England team.

I depended on my precision, backing myself to land the same spot 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, aware a single error could result in multiple wickets.

Quality and Mental Toughness

There are occasions when England can be a top-class team. They have talented individuals. Competent cricketers have ability, but great players have the mental toughness and attitude to be adaptable enough for the situation.

They would been stunned at the way events developed at Perth Stadium, crushed at the way they were defeated. Now we will see what they are made of. Even as a loyal Australian, part of me wants to see them adapt, just to show they can get better.

Bowling Concerns

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

In the longest format, all aspects require a Plan B. Frequently it seems England have a single approach, 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 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 man in Ashes cricket, two overs behind the legendary keeper at the Waca previously – a game I participated in.

My former teammate Gilly said Head's innings was the superior of the two. I agree. Given the difficulty of the pitch and the context of the match situation, the innings will be remembered as a moment of cricket lore.

Strategic Decisions

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

The opener has copped it for being failing to start in either innings. He had muscle issues after playing the sport the previous day the Test, but I don't think the two were linked.

When Khawaja missed out on day one, Australia advanced their number three and got stuck.

In moving the aggressive batsman, who has the experience of opening in limited overs, Australia were able to take the attack to England.

Future Considerations

Now there is the issue of what Australia will do for the next match. 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 Head could go back to number five and Mitchell Marsh or the keeper could move to the top. It would be difficult for the batsman, but occasionally you have to do what the rival team would find most uncomfortable.

Tournament Perspective

After the first Test was dominated by the bowlers, questions arise if the rest of series will be short, low-scoring Tests.

The venue is pretty much the quickest, liveliest pitch in the world, so the batters should get a some relief from here onward.

It is not all about the wicket. Credit has to be given to the pacemen for delivering 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 move on to Brisbane, and the vastly different day-night conditions for the second Test.

In 2006-07, I was a member of the Australia team that dominated England to win 5-0. The rivalry in this country have a habit of slipping from England rapidly.

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

They need to adjust, or the Ashes will be lost again.