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For Australia to bounce back and claim victory in the opening Ashes Test so convincingly as they did, you wonder what psychological damage will be left on the England team.

What are they going to do for the rest of series?

Unexpected Turnaround

I do not think no one anticipated what happened on the weekend. When you look at the number of overs taken to finish the game, it was Test cricket on accelerated pace.

England were well on top at the midday break on the following day, 105 ahead with most wickets in hand. The playing surface was still offering assistance. It looked extremely difficult for Australia to re-enter the match.

Shot Selection Woes

From that moment, England's shot selection was their big undoing. The Australian bowler put in arguably his poorest performance in an Australia shirt in the initial batting, then turned it around in the subsequent innings to be the driving force for the comeback.

England's batsmen were out attempting to strike balls wide of off-stump, on the up, towards cover region.

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

Adaptation Issues

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

There is much discussion about England's approach, their attacking philosophy. I observed it up close during the 2023 Ashes in the UK. Under Ben Stokes 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 same spot on or outside off stump, with a bit of bounce and movement.

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

Quality and Mental Toughness

There are occasions when England can be a high-quality team. They have talented individuals. Competent cricketers have ability, but great players have the mental toughness and mindset to be flexible enough for the conditions.

They would been shellshocked at the way things unfolded at the venue, devastated at the way they were beaten. Now we will see what they are made of. Even as a loyal Australian, part of me wants to see them adapt, just to show they can improve.

Pace Attack Issues

It was almost the same with their bowling. England's bowling unit was excellent on the opening day, then lost the plot when they were put under pressure on the following day.

In Test cricket, all aspects require a Plan B. Frequently it feels like England have a single approach, then no alternatives if that does not work.

'Where has this come from?' - The dismissal as England collapse in quick succession

Brilliant Innings

In fairness 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 fastest by an Australian man in the historic rivalry, 12 balls behind the legendary keeper at the Waca 19 years ago – a game I played in.

My old mate Gilchrist said Head's innings was the superior of the two. I agree. Given the challenging nature of the wicket and the context of the game situation, the innings will be remembered as a highlight of cricket lore.

Strategic Decisions

It was a bold and brave move for Australia to promote Head in the lineup for the follow-on.

The opener has faced criticism for being failing to start in either innings. He had back spasms after playing the sport the previous day the Test, but I do not believe the two were linked.

When Khawaja missed out on the opening day, Australia promoted their number three and got bogged down.

In moving the aggressive batsman, who has the confidence of opening in limited overs, Australia were able to take the attack 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 aggression at the top of the order.

That could mean Head remains, meaning a player such as Beau Webster comes into the middle order, or Head could go back to number five and the all-rounder or Josh Inglis could move to the top. It would be difficult for the batsman, but occasionally you have to do what the rival team would find most challenging.

Tournament Perspective

After the opening match was dominated by the pace attack, some are wondering if the rest of series will be short, low-scoring Tests.

The venue is pretty much the quickest, liveliest pitch in the world, so the batters should get a little bit of relief from now on.

It is not all about the wicket. Recognition has to be given to the bowlers for delivering the ball in the right place consistently. Overall, batters on both sides will need to analyze how they were dismissed.

Pivotal Match

Now we move on to Brisbane, and the completely distinct day-night conditions for the following match.

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

At the moment, England are only 1-0 down. There would be no recovery from 2-0, which is why Brisbane is such a crucial game.

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