I Would Be Licking My Lips Bowling to England - McGrath

Cricket action
  • Published
  • 4 Comments

For Australia to fight back and win the opening Ashes Test so convincingly as they did, you wonder what psychological damage will be left on the England team.

How will they respond for the rest of series?

Unexpected Turnaround

I do not think anyone anticipated what happened on the weekend. When you look at the quantity of deliveries required to complete the game, it was Test cricket on accelerated pace.

England were well on top at the midday break on the second day, leading by 105 runs with most wickets in hand. The pitch was still offering assistance. It looked so tough for Australia to re-enter the match.

Shot Selection Woes

From that point, England's shot selection was their major downfall. The Australian bowler put in arguably his poorest performance in an Australia shirt in the initial batting, then completely reversed in the subsequent innings to be the catalyst for the comeback.

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

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

Adjustment Problems

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

There is much discussion about England's approach, their attacking philosophy. I observed 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 method.

It is acceptable on slow, low pitches. On the fast, bouncy pitches of Australia it is a method full of danger. If England do not reassess, they will struggle for the entire series.

Bowling Perspective

As a bowler, I would have consistently believed in the contest against this England team.

I relied on my accuracy, having confidence to land the identical area around off stump, with a bit of bounce and nip.

Even if this England team was performing strongly, I'd be eagerly anticipating at the prospect of bowling to them, aware a single error could bring three or four wickets.

Quality and Mental Toughness

There are times when England can be a top-class team. They have good players. Competent cricketers have skill, but great players have the psychological strength and mindset to be flexible enough for the situation.

They would been shellshocked at the way things unfolded at the venue, crushed at the way they were beaten. Now we will see what they are capable of. Even as a loyal Australian, part of me wants to see them change, just to show they can improve.

Bowling Concerns

It was similar with their bowling. England's bowling unit was very good on the opening day, then lost direction when they were attacked on the second night.

In Test cricket, all disciplines require a Plan B. Frequently it seems England have one method, then no alternatives if that does not work.

'Where has this come from?' - The dismissal as England collapse in six balls

Head's Masterclass

In defense to England's pace attack, they were hit by one of the great Ashes innings by Travis Head.

His century off 69 deliveries was the second quickest by an Australian batsman in Ashes cricket, two overs behind the legendary keeper at the Waca previously – a match I played in.

My former teammate Gilly said Head's innings was the superior of the two. I concur. Considering the difficulty of the pitch and the context of the game circumstances, Head's knock will be remembered as a moment of Ashes history.

Strategic Decisions

It was a courageous move for Australia to promote Head in the lineup for the follow-on.

Usman Khawaja has copped it for being unable to open in either innings. He had muscle issues after playing golf the day before the Test, but I do not believe the two were connected.

When the batsman missed out on day one, Australia advanced their number three and got bogged down.

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

Future Considerations

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 aggression at the top of the order.

That could mean Head remains, meaning someone like the all-rounder comes into 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 tough on the batsman, but sometimes you have to do what the rival team would find most challenging.

Tournament Perspective

After the first Test was controlled by the pace attack, some are wondering if the remaining series will be brief, low-run Tests.

Perth Stadium is pretty much the quickest, liveliest pitch in the world, so the batters should get a little bit of respite from now on.

It is not entirely about the wicket. Recognition has to be awarded to the bowlers for getting the ball in the right place consistently. Overall, batters on each team will need to look at how they were dismissed.

Crucial Next Test

Now we progress to the next venue, and the vastly different twilight conditions for the second Test.

In the historic series, I was part of the Australia team that dominated England to achieve 5-0. The rivalry in this country have a tendency of slipping from England rapidly.

At the moment, England are just one match 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 historic urn will be gone again.

Elizabeth Richardson
Elizabeth Richardson

A beauty enthusiast and certified skincare specialist sharing evidence-based tips and personal experiences to help you achieve your best glow.