I'd Be Salivating Bowling to England - 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, one questions what scars will be left on the England team.
What are they going to do for the remaining series?
Surprising Comeback
I do not think no one expected what happened on Saturday. When you look at the quantity of deliveries required to finish the game, it was the longest format on accelerated pace.
England were well on top at the midday break on the following day, 105 ahead with most wickets in hand. The pitch was still doing plenty. It looked so tough 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 national colors in the initial batting, then completely reversed in the subsequent innings to be the catalyst for the comeback.
England's batters were out attempting to strike balls wide of off-stump, on the up, through the covers.
Attempting runs off those deliveries, with those shots, is the one thing you just do not do as a batter in Australia.
Adjustment Problems
It demonstrated that England had failed to complete their homework, are not able to adapt or are reluctant to adapt.
There is much discussion about England's approach, their aggressive style. I observed it firsthand during the recent series in the UK. Under their captain and their coach, they can be quite rigid when it comes to sticking with that method.
It is acceptable on sluggish pitches. On the fast, bouncy pitches of Australia it is a approach fraught with danger. If England fail to reconsider, they will face difficulties for the entire series.
Pacer's Viewpoint
As a paceman, I would have consistently believed 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 bit of bounce and nip.
Even if this England team was going well, I'd be eagerly anticipating at the idea of bowling to them, aware a single error could result in three or four wickets.
Quality and Mental Toughness
There are times when England can be a high-quality team. They have good players. Good players have ability, but exceptional athletes have the mental toughness and mindset to be flexible enough for the conditions.
They would been stunned at the way events developed at the venue, 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 get better.
Bowling Concerns
It was similar with their pace attack. England's bowling unit was very good on the first evening, then lost direction when they were put under pressure on the following day.
In Test cricket, all aspects require a backup strategy. Frequently it feels like England have a single approach, then no alternatives if that fails.
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Head's Masterclass
In fairness to England's bowlers, they were confronted with one of the memorable Ashes innings by the Australian batsman.
His 69-ball hundred was the second quickest by an Australian batsman in the historic rivalry, 12 balls behind Adam Gilchrist at the Perth ground previously – a match I played in.
My former teammate Gilly said Head's innings was the superior of the two. I concur. Considering the challenging nature of the pitch and the situation of the game circumstances, the innings will go down as a highlight of cricket lore.
Strategic Decisions
It was a bold and brave move for Australia to promote Head up the order for the second innings.
The opener has faced criticism for being unable to open in both attempts. He had back spasms after playing the sport the previous day the Test, but I do not believe the two were linked.
When the batsman missed out on day one, Australia promoted Marnus Labuschagne and got stuck.
In moving Head, who has the confidence of opening 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 second Test. I'd like to see them stick with the approach of attacking play at the top of the order.
That could mean continuation at the top, meaning someone like Beau Webster comes into the batting lineup, or return to number five and the all-rounder or Josh Inglis could go to the opening. It would be tough on the batsman, but sometimes you have to do what the rival team would find most challenging.
Series Outlook
After the opening match was dominated by the pace attack, questions arise if the remaining series will be short, low-scoring Tests.
The venue is pretty much the quickest, liveliest pitch in the global cricket, so the batsmen should get a little bit of relief from here onward.
It is not entirely about the pitch. Recognition has to be given to the pacemen for getting the ball in the right place consistently. In general, batsmen on each team will need to analyze how they were dismissed.
Crucial Next Test
Now we move on to Brisbane, and the completely distinct twilight conditions for the second Test.
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 getting away from England rapidly.
At the moment, 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 historic urn will be lost again.