I'd Be Salivating Bowling to England - McGrath

Cricket action
  • Published
  • 4 Comments

For Australia to bounce back and win the first Ashes Test as decisively as they did, you wonder what scars 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 transpired on the weekend. When you examine the number of overs required to complete the game, it was Test cricket on fast forward.

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

Batting Mistakes

From that moment, England's shot selection was their big undoing. The Australian bowler put in probably his worst performance in an Australia shirt in the first innings, then turned it around in the subsequent innings to be the driving force for the comeback.

England's batsmen were out attempting to strike balls outside off stump, in the air, towards cover region.

Attempting runs off those deliveries, with those strokes, is the precise action you just should avoid as a batsman in Australia.

Adaptation Issues

It demonstrated that England had not done their preparation, are unable to adjust or are reluctant 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 Brendon McCullum, they can be pretty stubborn when it comes to sticking with that strategy.

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

Bowling Perspective

As a paceman, I would have always felt in the game against this England team.

I relied on my precision, backing myself to hit the same spot on or outside off stump, with a some bounce and movement.

Even if this England team was performing strongly, I'd be licking my lips at the idea of facing them, aware one mistake could bring multiple wickets.

Quality and Mental Toughness

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

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

Bowling Concerns

It was almost the same with their pace attack. England's attack was very good on the opening day, then lost the plot when they were attacked on the following day.

In Test cricket, all disciplines require a Plan B. Quite often it seems England have one method, then nowhere to go if that does not work.

'Where has this come from?' - Starc bowls Root as England lose third wicket in six balls

Head's Masterclass

In fairness to England's bowlers, they were confronted with one of the memorable Ashes innings by the Australian batsman.

His century off 69 deliveries was the second quickest by an Australian batsman in Ashes cricket, 12 balls behind Adam Gilchrist at the Waca previously – a match I participated in.

My former teammate Gilly said Head's innings was the better of the two. I concur. Given the challenging nature of the wicket and the situation of the game situation, Head's knock will be remembered as a moment of cricket lore.

Tactical Moves

It was a bold and brave move for Australia to promote Head up the order for the second innings.

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

When Khawaja failed on day one, Australia advanced Marnus Labuschagne and got stuck.

In promoting the aggressive batsman, who has the experience of starting 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 method of attacking play at the top of the order.

That could mean continuation at the top, meaning someone like Beau Webster enters the middle order, or return to number five and the all-rounder or the keeper could go to the top. It would be tough on Khawaja, but occasionally you have to do what the opposition would find most challenging.

Series Outlook

After the opening match was dominated by the bowlers, some are wondering if the rest of series will be brief, low-run Tests.

The venue is essentially the fastest, bounciest pitch in the world, so the batters should get a little bit of relief from now on.

It is not entirely about the pitch. Credit has to be awarded to the bowlers for getting the ball in the correct areas so often. In general, 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 completely distinct twilight conditions for the following match.

In 2006-07, I was a member of the Australia team that overwhelmed England to achieve 5-0. The rivalry in this country have a habit of getting away from England quickly.

At the moment, England are only 1-0 down. There would be no coming back from two down, which is why Brisbane is such a crucial game.

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

Marissa Williams
Marissa Williams

Environmental scientist and travel enthusiast dedicated to sharing eco-friendly practices and sustainable living insights.

January 2026 Blog Roll

Popular Post