The Ashes series Individual Ratings: Which England Players Received the Lowest Grade?

England Individual Evaluations

Zak Crawley – One

Tipped in Australian pitches however recorded just a rare Ashes pair from an England opener facing only a handful of deliveries.

Ben Duckett – Five

Got starts in both innings. His dismissal during the match was when it began to fall apart for the English side.

Pope – Six

Appears improved due to adjustments to his technique. Opening match of a series tends to be his best, after which his form dips. England require him to kick on.

Joe Root – One

Far off that first hundred in Australia. England require the wisdom of their best player to have any chance to bounce back from this defeat.

Harry Brook – 5

His half-century in the first innings was skittish, yet important. Poor shot in the follow-on.

Ben Stokes – 6

Came back from injury with a five-for, though looked short of rhythm when batting. Lost control while fielding in the face of Head's assault.

Jamie Smith – 4

Could have the skills for Australia, yet must to smarten up. Can expect a lot of bouncers going forward.

Atkinson – 5

Involved in the impressive English first-innings bowling effort and tried to carry the fight while batting later on. Part of the bowlers that collapsed on Saturday evening.

Brydon Carse – 5

Similar to the previous, plus the mustard of being taken apart by Head.

Jofra Archer – 5

Appeared impressive while bowling in the first innings and was the top among struggling teammates later. Might yet have an impact in the series.

Mark Wood – 5

Finished without a wicket, yet extremely impressive to even take part considering his absence.

Australia Individual Ratings

Weatherald – 6

Debutant had tough luck to be exposed to Jofra Archer early on, then played his part in the sensational run chase.

Khawaja – 3

An unusual match. Did not look fully fit and spent time off the field. Took a couple of important catches at slip, yet also seemed slow in the cordon. Earns a point due to his injury that allowed Head to bat as opener.

Marnus Labuschagne – Seven

A successful return to the team. Absorbed the English bowling pressure more effectively than others initially, and supported Travis Head later.

Steve Smith – Five

Looked off form in the first innings. Unnecessary before the game attack on Monty Panesar.

Travis Head – 9

Perhaps unfair not to award a perfect score, but he played a pretty poor shot in the first innings. His follow-on century proved to be an historic innings.

Cameron Green – Five

Claimed the key wicket of Pope early. Shaken by a Mark Wood bouncer when he batted. Barely required later in the match.

Alex Carey – Five

Tried an aggressive response against England's bowlers on the first evening. Tidy behind the stumps.

Mitchell Starc – 9

Carried the burden of the bowling in the absence of Pat Cummins and Hazlewood with the first Australian Ashes series 10-wicket haul for two decades.

Scott Boland – Six

Below top form initially. Improved in the second to spark the England batting collapse.

Brendan Doggett – 6

Steady first appearance. More than able replacement for the main bowlers and Hazlewood.

Nathan Lyon – Two

Virtually a spectator during a game dominated by pace. Possibly suffered an injury after being hit by Wood.

Connected Subjects

• English National Team
• Australian Team
• Ashes Series
• Cricket

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