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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.
What are they going to do for the remaining series?
Surprising Comeback
I believe anyone anticipated what happened on the weekend. When you look at the quantity of deliveries taken to complete the game, it was Test cricket on fast forward.
England were well on top at lunch on the second day, leading by 105 runs with nine wickets in hand. The playing surface was still offering assistance. It looked extremely difficult for Australia to get back into the match.
Shot Selection Woes
From that moment, England's choice of strokes was their big undoing. The Australian bowler 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 trying to hit balls outside off stump, in the air, through the covers.
Attempting runs off those deliveries, with those shots, is the one thing you just should avoid as a batter in Australia.
Adjustment Problems
It showed that England had not done their homework, are unable to adjust 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 Brendon McCullum, they can be quite rigid 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 fraught with danger. If England do not reassess, they will face difficulties for the whole series.
Pacer's Viewpoint
As a paceman, I would have always felt in the game against this England team.
I relied on my precision, backing myself to land the identical area on or outside off stump, with a bit of bounce and movement.
Even if this England team was performing strongly, I'd be licking my lips at the prospect of facing them, aware a single error could result in multiple wickets.
Quality and Mental Toughness
There are times when England can be a top-class team. They have talented individuals. Good players have ability, but exceptional athletes have the mental toughness and attitude to be flexible enough for the conditions.
They would been shellshocked at the way events developed at the venue, devastated at the way they were beaten. Now we will see what they are made of. Even as a loyal Australian, I somewhat wants to see them adapt, just to show they can get better.
Bowling Concerns
It was almost the same with their bowling. England's attack was excellent on the opening day, then lost direction when they were put under pressure on the second night.
In Test cricket, all aspects require a Plan B. Frequently it seems England have one method, then nowhere to go if that does not work.
'Where has this come from?' - The dismissal as England collapse in six balls
Brilliant Innings
In fairness 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, 12 balls behind Adam Gilchrist at the Perth ground previously – a game I participated in.
My old mate Gilchrist said the performance was the superior of the two. I agree. Considering the challenging nature of the pitch and the situation of the game circumstances, Head's knock will be remembered as a moment of Ashes history.
Strategic Decisions
It was a bold and brave move for Australia to elevate the batsman up the order for the follow-on.
Usman Khawaja has copped it for being failing to start in either innings. He had muscle issues after playing golf the day before the Test, but I don't think the two were connected.
When the batsman missed out on the opening day, Australia promoted Marnus Labuschagne and got stuck.
In promoting the aggressive batsman, who has the experience of opening in limited overs, Australia were able to go on offensive to England.
Upcoming Decisions
Now there is the issue of what Australia will do for the second Test. I'd like to see them stick with the method of aggression at the beginning.
That could mean continuation at the top, meaning a player such as the all-rounder enters the batting lineup, or Head could go back to his position and the all-rounder or the keeper could go to the opening. It would be tough on Khawaja, but occasionally you have to do what the rival team would find most uncomfortable.
Tournament Perspective
After the opening match was controlled by the pace attack, questions arise if the rest of series will be short, low-scoring Tests.
Perth Stadium is pretty much the fastest, bounciest pitch in the global cricket, so the batters should get a some respite from here onward.
It is not entirely about the wicket. Recognition has to be awarded to the pacemen for delivering the ball in the right place so often. In general, batsmen on both sides will need to look at how they were dismissed.
Pivotal Match
Now we move on to the next venue, and the completely distinct day-night conditions for the following match.
In the historic series, 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 quickly.
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 Ashes will be lost again.
