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For Australia to fight back and win the first Ashes Test as decisively as they did, one questions what scars will be inflicted upon the England team.

How will they respond for the remaining series?

Unexpected Turnaround

I do not think anyone expected what transpired on the weekend. When you examine the number of overs taken to finish the game, it was Test cricket on fast forward.

England were clearly dominant at the midday break on the second day, 105 ahead with most wickets in hand. The pitch was still offering assistance. 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 probably his worst performance in an national colors in the first innings, then completely reversed in the subsequent innings to be the driving force for the comeback.

England's batsmen were out trying to hit balls outside off stump, in the air, through the covers.

Trying to score off those bowls, with those shots, is the one thing you just do not do as a batsman in Australia.

Adaptation Issues

It demonstrated that England had failed to complete their preparation, are not able to adapt or are reluctant to change approach.

There is a lot of talk about England's approach, their attacking philosophy. I observed 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 strategy.

It is fine on slow, low pitches. On the fast, bouncy pitches of Australia it is a approach full of danger. If England fail to reconsider, they will struggle 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 accuracy, having confidence to land the identical area on or outside off stump, with a bit of bounce and nip.

Even if this England team was performing strongly, I'd be eagerly anticipating at the idea of bowling to them, aware one mistake could result in 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 exceptional athletes have the mental toughness and mindset to be flexible enough for the situation.

They would been stunned at the way things unfolded at Perth Stadium, devastated at the way they were defeated. Now we will see what they are made of. Even as a true blue Australian, I somewhat wants to see them change, just to show they can get better.

Pace Attack Issues

It was similar with their pace attack. England's bowling unit was excellent on the opening day, then lost direction when they were put under pressure on the second night.

In the longest format, all disciplines 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?' - The dismissal as England collapse in six balls

Head's Masterclass

In defense to England's bowlers, they were hit by one of the memorable Ashes innings by Travis Head.

His century off 69 deliveries was the second quickest by an Australian batsman in the historic rivalry, 12 balls behind the legendary keeper at the Waca 19 years ago – a game I played in.

My former teammate Gilchrist said the performance was the better of the two. I agree. Given the challenging nature of the wicket and the context of the match situation, the innings will be remembered as a moment of Ashes history.

Strategic Decisions

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

Usman Khawaja has faced criticism for being failing to start in either innings. He had muscle issues after playing golf the previous day the Test, but I don't think the two were linked.

When the batsman missed out on the opening day, Australia promoted Marnus Labuschagne and got stuck.

In moving the aggressive batsman, 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 question of what Australia will do for the next match. I'd like to see them stick with the approach of aggression at the beginning.

That could mean continuation at the top, meaning a player such as the all-rounder comes into the batting lineup, or Head could go back to number five and the all-rounder or Josh Inglis could move to the top. It would be tough on the batsman, 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, questions arise if the rest of series will be brief, low-run Tests.

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

It is not entirely about the pitch. Recognition has to be given to the bowlers for getting the ball in the correct areas so often. Overall, batters on each team will need to analyze how they got themselves out.

Pivotal Match

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

In 2006-07, I was part of the Australia team that overwhelmed England to achieve 5-0. The rivalry in this nation have a tendency of getting away from England quickly.

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

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