I Would Be Licking My Lips Facing England - McGrath

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The Australian team to bounce back and claim victory in the first Ashes Test so convincingly as they did, one questions what psychological damage will be inflicted upon the England team.

How will they respond for the rest of series?

Unexpected Turnaround

I do not think anyone expected what happened on the weekend. When you examine the quantity of deliveries taken to complete the game, it was the longest format on fast forward.

England were clearly dominant at the midday break on the following day, leading by 105 runs with most wickets in hand. The playing surface was still offering assistance. It looked extremely difficult for Australia to re-enter the match.

Batting Mistakes

From that moment, 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 completely reversed in the subsequent innings to be the driving force for the recovery.

England's batters were out attempting to strike balls wide of off-stump, on the up, towards cover region.

Trying to score off those deliveries, with those shots, is the one thing you just should avoid as a batsman in Australia.

Adjustment Problems

It demonstrated that England had not done their homework, are unable to adjust or are unwilling to change approach.

There is much discussion about England's approach, their aggressive style. I witnessed 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 strategy.

It is acceptable on slow, low pitches. On the quick, lively pitches of Australia it is a method 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 always felt in the game against this England team.

I relied on my precision, having confidence to land the same spot around off stump, with a some bounce and movement.

Even if this England team was performing strongly, I'd be licking my lips at the prospect of facing them, knowing a single error could result in multiple wickets.

Skill and Resilience

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

They would been shellshocked at the way things unfolded 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, I somewhat wants to see them adapt, just to show they can get better.

Pace Attack Issues

It was almost the same with their bowling. England's bowling unit was excellent on the first evening, then lost the plot when they were put under pressure on the second night.

In Test cricket, all aspects require a backup strategy. Quite often it feels like England have one method, then nowhere to go if that does not work.

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Head's Masterclass

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

His 69-ball hundred was the second fastest by an Australian man in the historic rivalry, two overs behind the legendary keeper at the Waca 19 years ago – a game I participated in.

My former teammate Gilchrist said the performance was the superior of the two. I agree. Given the challenging nature of the wicket and the situation of the match circumstances, the innings will be remembered as a moment of cricket lore.

Strategic Decisions

It was a bold and brave move for Australia to promote Head up the order for the follow-on.

Usman Khawaja has faced criticism for being unable to open in both attempts. He had muscle issues after playing golf the previous day the Test, but I don't think the two were linked.

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

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

Future Considerations

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

That could mean Head remains, meaning a player such as the all-rounder enters the middle order, or Head could go back to number five and Mitchell Marsh or the keeper could move to the opening. It would be difficult for the batsman, but occasionally you have to do what the opposition would find most uncomfortable.

Series Outlook

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

Perth Stadium is pretty much the fastest, bounciest pitch in the world, so the batters should get a some respite from now on.

It is not entirely about the wicket. Recognition has to be given to the bowlers for getting the ball in the correct areas consistently. In general, batters on each team will need to analyze how they got themselves out.

Pivotal Match

Now we progress 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. Ashes series in this nation have a habit of getting away from England rapidly.

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 crucial game.

They must adapt, or the Ashes will be gone once more.