The Ashes series Individual Performance Scores: Which English Cricketers Received the Lowest Grade?

England Player Evaluations

Zak Crawley – 1

Expected in Australian pitches but recorded only a rare duck in both innings from an England opener in just a handful of deliveries.

Ben Duckett – 5

Got beginnings during each knock. The way he got out during the match marked the point when it began to fall apart for England.

Pope – Six

Seems better for adjustments to his technique. The first Test in the series is usually his best, after which his form dips. The team require him to kick on.

Root – One

Far off his maiden century in Australia. The side require the nous from their star performer to have any chance to come back from this.

Brook – Five

His fifty in the first innings was lively, but valuable. Poor shot in the follow-on.

Ben Stokes – 6

Returned from injury with a five-for, though appeared short of rhythm when batting. Struggled while fielding against Head's aggressive batting.

Smith – 4

Could have the game to succeed in Australia, yet must to smarten up. Can expect a lot of bouncers going forward.

Gus Atkinson – Five

Part of the strong England first-innings bowling performance and attempted to contribute with the bat in the second innings. Among the attack that collapsed during the match.

Carse – 5

Comparable to above, plus the mustard of getting dominated by Travis Head.

Archer – Five

Looked impressive with the ball initially and was the top among struggling teammates later. Could still have an impact in the series.

Wood – Five

Finished without a wicket, but massively impressive to just get on the field given his time away.

Australian Team Individual Ratings

Weatherald – 6

Debutant had tough luck to face against Archer in the first innings, then contributed in the stunning run chase.

Usman Khawaja – Three

A bizarre match. Did not look fully fit and spent time off the field. Held on to a couple of important catches at slip, yet also looked immobile in the cordon. Gets a mark due to his injury which enabled Head to bat as opener.

Marnus Labuschagne – 7

A successful return to the team. Handled the English bowling pressure more effectively than most in the first innings, and supported Travis Head later.

Smith – Five

Looked off form in the first innings. Unnecessary before the game comments about Panesar.

Head – Nine

Perhaps unfair not to award the full 10, but he attempted a rather poor shot initially. His follow-on century proved to be an all-time great innings.

Cameron Green – Five

Claimed the key dismissal of Pope early. Rattled by one Mark Wood short ball when he batted. Barely required later in the match.

Carey – Five

Attempted an aggressive response versus the English attack 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 achieving the first Australian Ashes 10-wicket haul for two decades.

Scott Boland – 6

Short of his best in the first innings. Got better in the second to trigger the England collapse.

Doggett – 6

Steady first appearance. More than capable stand-in for the main bowlers and Hazlewood.

Lyon – 2

Virtually a spectator in a match controlled by fast bowling. Possibly suffered an injury after being hit by Mark Wood.

Connected Subjects

• England Men's Cricket Team
• Australian Team
• The Ashes
• The Sport

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