I'd Be Salivating Facing England - Glenn McGrath

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The Australian team to fight back and claim victory in the opening Ashes Test as decisively as they did, one questions what psychological damage 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 transpired on the weekend. When you examine the number of overs required to complete the game, it was the longest format on fast forward.

England were well on top at lunch on the following day, 105 ahead with nine wickets in hand. The pitch was still doing plenty. It looked so tough for Australia to get back into the match.

Batting Mistakes

From that point, England's shot selection was their big undoing. Scott Boland put in arguably his poorest performance in an Australia shirt in the initial batting, then turned it around in the second to be the catalyst 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 bowls, with those strokes, is the precise action you just do not do as a batter in Australia.

Adaptation Issues

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

There is much discussion about England's approach, their attacking philosophy. I witnessed it up close during the recent series in the UK. Under their captain and Brendon McCullum, they can be pretty stubborn when it comes to adhering to that strategy.

It is fine on sluggish pitches. On the quick, lively pitches of Australia it is a approach full of danger. If England fail to reconsider, they will face difficulties for the entire series.

Pacer's Viewpoint

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

I depended on my accuracy, having confidence to land the same spot on or outside off stump, with a some bounce and nip.

Even if this England team was going well, I'd be eagerly anticipating at the prospect of bowling to them, knowing a single error could bring multiple wickets.

Quality and Mental Toughness

There are times when England can be a high-quality team. They have talented individuals. Good players have ability, but exceptional athletes have the mental toughness and attitude to be adaptable enough for the situation.

They would been shellshocked at the way events developed 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 adapt, just to show they can get better.

Pace Attack Issues

It was similar with their bowling. England's attack was excellent on the opening day, then lost direction when they were attacked on the following day.

In Test cricket, all aspects require a backup strategy. 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 six balls

Brilliant Innings

In defense 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 quickest by an Australian batsman in Ashes cricket, two overs behind Adam Gilchrist at the Waca previously – a game I participated in.

My old mate Gilly said the performance was the superior of the two. I agree. Given the difficulty of the wicket and the situation of the match circumstances, the innings will go down as a moment of Ashes history.

Strategic Decisions

It was a courageous move for Australia to elevate the batsman in the lineup for the second innings.

Usman Khawaja has faced criticism for being unable to open in both attempts. He had back spasms after playing the sport the day before the Test, but I do not believe the two were connected.

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

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

Upcoming Decisions

Now there is the issue of what Australia will do for the second Test. I'd like to see them continue the approach of attacking play at the top of the order.

That could mean Head remains, meaning a player such as Beau Webster enters the middle order, or return to his position and Mitchell Marsh or Josh Inglis could go to the opening. It would be tough on Khawaja, but occasionally you have to do what the rival team would find most challenging.

Series Outlook

After the first Test was controlled by the bowlers, some are wondering 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 batsmen should get a little bit of relief from here onward.

It is not all about the wicket. Credit has to be awarded to the bowlers for getting the ball in the correct areas consistently. Overall, batsmen on each team 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 second Test.

In 2006-07, I was a member of the national side that overwhelmed England to achieve 5-0. The rivalry in this country have a habit of slipping from England rapidly.

At the present, England are only 1-0 down. There would be no recovery from two down, which is why the venue is such a crucial game.

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

Rebecca Spencer
Rebecca Spencer

A seasoned gambling analyst with over a decade of experience in online casino reviews and slot game strategy development.