The Ashes series has concluded, and the urn remains in Australia's grasp. While England managed a victory in Melbourne, Australia's dominance was reaffirmed in Sydney. Let's delve into the player ratings for the entire series, offering a comprehensive look at individual performances.
England's Player Ratings:
- Zak Crawley – 5: His average of 27 was anticipated, and he didn't live up to expectations. A secure spot in the home summer seems uncertain.
- Ben Duckett – 3: Arriving with a stellar reputation, his career faces a crossroads. Failing to reach 50, dropping catches, and a video incident in Noosa add to the woes. A break might be wise.
- Jacob Bethell – 7: A latecomer, his impact could have shifted the series' course. A crucial 40 in Melbourne and a coming-of-age 154 in Sydney mark him as England's new number three.
- Joe Root – 7: Finally notched a Test century in Australia and added another in Sydney. At 35, he remains England's best batter. Where would they be without him?
- Harry Brook – 5: Expected to shine, he instead faced frustrating dismissals. His white-ball captaincy may be hindering his Test batting development.
- Ben Stokes – 6: Another captain defeated down under, he won't get another chance here. England's best bowler, below par with the bat, and tactically off. Earns an extra mark for shouldering the burden.
- Jamie Smith – 3: Like Duckett, his international future is in doubt. Glove mistakes and soft dismissals plagued him. A Test axe might be next.
- Will Jacks – 5: Fulfilled his role, but the expectation was different. Unfair to judge him in a role he isn't qualified for. When will he play another Test?
- Brydon Carse – 6: His 22 wickets are impressive, only bettered by James Anderson and Ian Botham on England Ashes tours in the past 55 years. Durability speaks volumes.
- Matthew Potts – 1: Harsh, given the circumstances. His sole appearance in Sydney was tough to watch. Mistreated by England. Will likely slip down the pecking order.
- Josh Tongue – 7: Impressed with 18 wickets after his third Test debut. His reputation is enhanced, and he should be in the first-choice attack.
- Mark Wood – 2: A Herculean effort to get fit, only to end after 11 overs in the first Test. Will he play for England again?
- Jofra Archer – 6: Bowled better than his 9 wickets suggest and was among England's best batters at times. His career will require constant management.
- Ollie Pope – 3: Started promisingly, then faded and was rightly dropped. He should have to work very hard for another chance.
- Gus Atkinson – 3: Struggled in the first two Tests, hinted at his best in the fourth, but got injured. No longer a guaranteed part of England's first-choice attack.
- Shoaib Bashir – 0: Earmarked for the tour, he couldn't get a game.
Australia's Player Ratings:
- Jake Weatherald – 4: Started well, but was found out later in the series. An Ashes winner, but possibly not Australia's long-term opener.
- Travis Head – 10: The best three-format batter, his elevation to opener changed the series. His three hundreds secure his spot. This was the Travball Ashes.
- Marnus Labuschagne – 5: Yet to fully justify his recall at number three. His catching was excellent. Unclear if his bowling deserves praise.
- Steve Smith – 7: Below his best with the bat until a century in Sydney. He captained in four Tests and still engineered an Ashes triumph.
- Usman Khawaja – 5: His Ashes will be remembered for what he didn't do in Perth.
- Alex Carey – 9: One of the greatest exhibitions of glovework ever seen and handy runs at number six, including a hometown century. Hit winning runs in Sydney.
- Cameron Green – 4: Losing his way. Injuries limit his bowling, and a lack of runs have him slipping down the order.
- Beau Webster – 5: Made the runs to pressure Green's place and proved his versatility with off-breaks.
- Michael Neser – 7: Recalled after three years, he did a fine job as a medium-fast bowler.
- Mitchell Starc – 10: Decisive in the first two Tests. At his best, he gave off Mitchell Johnson 2013-14 vibes. There can be no higher praise.
- Scott Boland – 7: Did more than enough to banish the demons of a tough 2023 Ashes in England.
- Brendan Doggett – 4: Claimed a respectable seven wickets. An Ashes winner with a 100% record.
- Pat Cummins – 6: An astonishing effort to have played even one Test, given his back injury. His captaincy sealed the Ashes. Will now plot for a win in 2027.
- Nathan Lyon – 4: Impactful in Adelaide before another injury. Will there be questions over his fitness and the role of spin in England?
- Josh Inglis – 3: Australia won the two Tests he played, even if he didn't take his chance. May get another opportunity.
- Jhye Richardson – 2: Deserves credit for returning from injuries. Should get another chance.
But here's where it gets controversial...
What do you think? Were these ratings fair? Who do you think was underrated or overrated? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And this is the part most people miss... Did the series live up to the hype, or did it fall short of expectations?
