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For Australia to fight back and win the opening Ashes Test as decisively as they did, you wonder what psychological damage will be inflicted upon the England team.

How will they respond for the rest of series?

Unexpected Turnaround

I believe no one expected what transpired on the weekend. When you examine the number of overs required to finish the game, it was Test cricket on fast forward.

England were well on top 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 re-enter the match.

Shot Selection Woes

From that moment, England's shot selection was their major downfall. Scott Boland put in probably his worst 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 batters were out trying to hit balls outside off stump, in the air, through the covers.

Attempting runs off those bowls, with those strokes, is the one thing you just should avoid as a batsman in Australia.

Adjustment Problems

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

There is much discussion about England's approach, their attacking philosophy. I observed it firsthand 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 quick, lively pitches of Australia it is a approach fraught with danger. If England do not reassess, they will face difficulties 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 precision, having confidence to hit the identical area around 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 facing them, knowing one mistake could bring three or four wickets.

Quality and Mental Toughness

There are occasions when England can be a top-class team. They have talented individuals. Competent cricketers have skill, but great players have the psychological strength and attitude to be adaptable enough for the conditions.

They would been shellshocked at the way things unfolded at Perth Stadium, crushed at the way they were defeated. 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 similar with their pace attack. England's bowling unit was very good on the opening day, then lost direction when they were put under pressure on the following day.

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

'Where has this come from?' - The dismissal as England lose third wicket in quick succession

Brilliant Innings

In defense to England's pace attack, they were hit by one of the memorable Ashes innings by the Australian batsman.

His 69-ball hundred was the second quickest by an Australian man in the historic rivalry, two overs behind Adam Gilchrist at the Waca 19 years ago – a match I participated in.

My former teammate Gilly said the performance was the superior of the two. I concur. Given the challenging nature of the pitch and the context of the game circumstances, the innings will be remembered as a highlight of Ashes history.

Tactical Moves

It was a bold and brave 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 back spasms after playing golf the day before the Test, but I don't think the two were connected.

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

In moving the aggressive batsman, who has the experience of opening 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 next match. I'd like to see them stick with the approach of attacking play at the beginning.

That could mean continuation at the top, meaning a player such as Beau Webster enters the batting lineup, or Head could go back to his position and the all-rounder or Josh Inglis could move to the top. It would be difficult for Khawaja, but occasionally you have to do what the rival team would find most challenging.

Series Outlook

After the first Test was dominated by the bowlers, some are wondering if the remaining series will be short, low-scoring Tests.

Perth Stadium is pretty much the fastest, bounciest pitch in the global cricket, so the batsmen should get a some respite from now on.

It is not entirely about the pitch. Credit has to be given to the pacemen for delivering the ball in the right place so often. In general, batsmen on each team will need to look at how they got themselves out.

Pivotal Match

Now we move on to the next venue, and the completely distinct twilight conditions for the second Test.

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

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

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