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The Australian team to fight back and win the first 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 anyone expected what happened on Saturday. When you examine the quantity of deliveries required to finish the game, it was the longest format on accelerated pace.

England were clearly dominant at the midday break on the second day, leading by 105 runs with most wickets in hand. The pitch was still offering assistance. It looked extremely difficult for Australia to get back into the match.

Batting Mistakes

From that moment, England's shot selection was their major downfall. Scott Boland put in arguably his poorest 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 batters were out attempting to strike balls outside off stump, on the up, through the covers.

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

Adjustment Problems

It demonstrated that England had not done their homework, are unable to adapt or are reluctant to adapt.

There is much discussion about England's method, their aggressive style. I witnessed it firsthand during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Under Ben Stokes and their coach, they can be pretty stubborn 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 method full of danger. If England do not reassess, they will face difficulties for the whole series.

Bowling Perspective

As a paceman, I would have consistently believed in the contest against this England team.

I relied on my precision, having confidence to land the same spot around off stump, with a some bounce and movement.

Even if this England team was going well, I'd be eagerly anticipating at the prospect of bowling to them, knowing one mistake could result in multiple wickets.

Quality and Mental Toughness

There are times when England can be a top-class team. They have good players. Good players have ability, but exceptional athletes have the psychological strength and mindset to be adaptable enough for the situation.

They would been shellshocked at the way events developed at Perth Stadium, devastated at the way they were beaten. Now we will see what they are capable of. Even as a loyal Australian, I somewhat wants to see them adapt, just to show they can improve.

Pace Attack Issues

It was similar with their bowling. England's attack was excellent on the first evening, then lost the plot when they were attacked on the second night.

In the longest format, all aspects require a Plan B. Frequently it seems England have a single approach, then nowhere to go if that does not work.

'Where has this come from?' - Starc bowls Root as England collapse in quick succession

Head's Masterclass

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

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

My old mate Gilly said the performance was the better of the two. I agree. Given the difficulty of the pitch and the context of the match circumstances, the innings will go down as a highlight of cricket lore.

Tactical Moves

It was a courageous move for Australia to elevate the batsman up the order for the follow-on.

Usman Khawaja has faced criticism 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 day one, Australia promoted their number three and got bogged down.

In promoting Head, who has the experience of starting in white-ball cricket, Australia were able to go on offensive to England.

Upcoming Decisions

Now there is the question of what Australia will do for the next match. I'd like to see them continue the approach of attacking play at the beginning.

That could mean continuation at the top, meaning someone like Beau Webster comes into the middle order, or Head could go back to number five and Mitchell Marsh or Josh Inglis could move to the opening. It would be tough on Khawaja, but occasionally you have to do what the rival team would find most challenging.

Tournament Perspective

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

The venue is pretty much the quickest, liveliest pitch in the world, so the batsmen should get a little bit of relief from here onward.

It is not entirely about the wicket. Recognition has to be awarded to the pacemen for delivering the ball in the correct areas so often. Overall, batsmen on each team will need to look at how they were dismissed.

Crucial Next Test

Now we progress to Brisbane, and the vastly different twilight conditions for the following match.

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

At the present, England are just one match down. There would be no recovery from 2-0, which is why the venue is such a massive game.

They need to adjust, or the historic urn will be gone once more.