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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 rest of series?

Unexpected Turnaround

I believe anyone anticipated what happened on Saturday. When you look at the quantity of deliveries taken to finish the game, it was the longest format on accelerated pace.

England were clearly dominant at the midday break on the following day, 105 ahead with most wickets in hand. The pitch was still offering assistance. It looked so tough for Australia to get back into the match.

Batting Mistakes

From that point, England's choice of strokes was their major downfall. Scott Boland put in probably his worst performance in an national colors in the first innings, then turned it around in the second to be the driving force for the recovery.

England's batsmen were out trying to hit balls wide of off-stump, on the up, through the covers.

Trying to score off those deliveries, with those strokes, is the precise action you just do not do as a batter in Australia.

Adaptation Issues

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

There is a lot of talk about England's approach, their aggressive style. I witnessed it up close during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Under their captain and Brendon McCullum, they can be quite rigid 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 approach full of danger. If England do not reassess, they will struggle for the whole series.

Bowling Perspective

As a bowler, I would have always felt in the contest 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 going well, I'd be licking my lips at the idea of bowling to them, knowing one mistake could result in three or four wickets.

Skill and Resilience

There are occasions when England can be a high-quality team. They have good players. Good players have skill, but exceptional athletes have the psychological strength and mindset to be adaptable 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 change, just to show they can get better.

Bowling Concerns

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

In Test cricket, all aspects require a backup strategy. Frequently it feels like England have a single approach, then no alternatives if that fails.

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

Head's Masterclass

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

His century off 69 deliveries was the second fastest by an Australian batsman in Ashes cricket, two overs behind the legendary keeper at the Perth ground 19 years ago – a match I played in.

My old mate Gilly said Head's innings was the superior of the two. I concur. Given the difficulty of the wicket and the context of the match circumstances, Head's knock will go down as a moment of Ashes history.

Tactical Moves

It was a courageous move for Australia to promote Head in the lineup for the second innings.

The opener has copped it for being unable to open in either innings. He had back spasms after playing the sport the day before the Test, but I don't think the two were linked.

When the batsman failed on the opening day, Australia promoted their number three and got stuck.

In moving Head, who has the confidence of starting in white-ball cricket, 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 Head remains, meaning a player such as the all-rounder enters the batting lineup, or Head could go back to his position and Mitchell Marsh or the keeper could move to the opening. It would be tough on the batsman, but occasionally you have to do what the opposition would find most uncomfortable.

Tournament Perspective

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

Perth Stadium is essentially the quickest, liveliest pitch in the global cricket, so the batsmen should get a some respite from now on.

It is not entirely about the wicket. Recognition has to be given to the pacemen for delivering the ball in the correct areas so often. In general, batters on both sides will need to look at how they got themselves out.

Pivotal Match

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 dominated England to win 5-0. The rivalry in this nation have a habit of getting away from England rapidly.

At the moment, England are just one match down. There would be no coming back from two down, which is why Brisbane is such a crucial game.

They need to adjust, or the Ashes will be lost once more.