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The Australian team to bounce back and win the opening Ashes Test as decisively as they did, you wonder what scars will be left on the England team.

How will they respond for the remaining series?

Surprising Comeback

I believe anyone expected what happened on Saturday. When you look at the number of overs taken to complete the game, it was the longest format on fast forward.

England were well on top at the midday break on the second day, leading by 105 runs with nine wickets in hand. The playing surface was still doing plenty. It looked extremely difficult for Australia to re-enter the match.

Batting Mistakes

From that point, England's choice of strokes 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 driving force for the recovery.

England's batsmen were out trying to hit balls outside off stump, on the up, towards cover region.

Attempting runs off those bowls, with those strokes, is the one thing you just do not do as a batter in Australia.

Adaptation Issues

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

There is much discussion about England's method, their aggressive style. 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 sticking with that method.

It is fine 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 contest against this England team.

I depended on my precision, backing myself to hit the same spot on or outside off stump, with a bit of bounce and nip.

Even if this England team was going well, I'd be eagerly anticipating at the prospect of bowling to them, knowing a single error could bring multiple wickets.

Quality and Mental Toughness

There are occasions when England can be a high-quality team. They have talented individuals. Good players have ability, but exceptional athletes have the psychological strength and attitude to be adaptable enough for the conditions.

They would been shellshocked at the way events developed at the venue, 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 get better.

Pace Attack Issues

It was almost the same with their bowling. England's attack was excellent on the first evening, then lost the plot when they were attacked on the following day.

In the longest format, all aspects require a backup strategy. Frequently it feels like England have one method, then no alternatives if that fails.

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

Brilliant Innings

In defense to England's pace attack, 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 the historic rivalry, two overs behind the legendary keeper at the Perth ground 19 years ago – a match I participated in.

My former teammate Gilly said the performance was the better of the two. I agree. Considering the difficulty of the pitch and the context of the match circumstances, Head's knock will go down as a highlight of cricket lore.

Strategic Decisions

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

The opener has faced criticism for being unable to open in both attempts. He had muscle issues after playing golf the day before the Test, but I don't think the two were linked.

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

In moving 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 issue of what Australia will do for the second Test. I'd like to see them continue 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 return to his position and the all-rounder or Josh Inglis could move to the opening. It would be difficult for the batsman, but occasionally you have to do what the opposition would find most challenging.

Tournament Perspective

After the opening match was dominated by the pace attack, questions arise if the remaining series will be brief, low-run Tests.

Perth Stadium is pretty much the fastest, bounciest pitch in the world, so the batsmen should get a little bit of relief from now on.

It is not all about the pitch. Recognition has to be awarded to the bowlers for getting the ball in the correct areas so often. Overall, batsmen on both sides will need to analyze how they got themselves out.

Pivotal Match

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

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

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

They need to adjust, or the Ashes will be gone again.