Ashes Player Ratings: Which English Cricketers Received the Lowest Grade?

English Team Individual Evaluations

Zak Crawley – One

Tipped in Aussie pitches but recorded just a rare Ashes pair from an England top-order batsman in just 11 balls.

Duckett – Five

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

Ollie Pope – Six

Appears better for adjustments to his technique. Opening match in the series is usually his strongest, after which his form dips. The team require him to kick on.

Joe Root – One

Far away from his maiden century on Australian soil. England need the nous from their star performer to have any chance to come back from this defeat.

Harry Brook – Five

His half-century during the initial knock was lively, but valuable. Poor choice in the second innings.

Stokes – Six

Returned from injury to take a five-for, but looked out of touch with the bat. Lost control in the field against Head's assault.

Smith – Four

Could have the skills for Australia, yet must to smarten up. Can expect plenty of short bowling going forward.

Gus Atkinson – 5

Part of the strong English initial bowling performance and tried to contribute while batting in the second innings. Part of the bowlers that fell apart during the match.

Brydon Carse – Five

Comparable to the previous, plus the spice of getting taken apart by Head.

Jofra Archer – Five

Looked awesome while bowling in the first innings and proved the top among struggling teammates in the second. Could still have an impact in the series.

Mark Wood – 5

Went wicketless, but extremely commendable to even get on the field given his absence.

Australian Team Player Ratings

Jake Weatherald – 6

First-timer had tough luck to face to Jofra Archer in the first innings, later contributed in the stunning run chase.

Khawaja – Three

A bizarre Test. Did not look fit and spent time off the field. Took several important catches at slip, yet also seemed immobile in the field. Gets a mark for the injury that allowed Travis Head to open.

Labuschagne – Seven

A successful return to the team. Handled England's pressure more effectively than others in the first innings, and supported Head in the second.

Steve Smith – Five

Seemed off form early on. Unnecessary before the game comments on Monty Panesar.

Travis Head – Nine

Possibly unfair not to award the full 10, however he attempted a pretty poor stroke initially. His follow-on hundred proved to be an all-time great innings.

Cameron Green – 5

Claimed the crucial wicket of Ollie Pope early. Rattled by a Wood short ball when he batted. Hardly required in the second half.

Carey – Five

Tried a counter-attack versus the English attack early in the match. Tidy with the gloves.

Starc – 9

Shouldered the weight of the attack in the absence of Cummins and Hazlewood with the first Aussie Ashes 10-for in 20 years.

Boland – Six

Short of top form initially. Got better in the second to trigger the England collapse.

Doggett – 6

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

Nathan Lyon – Two

Virtually a spectator during a game dominated by fast bowling. Maybe suffered a knock when struck by Mark Wood.

Related Topics

• English National Team
• Australia
• Ashes Series
• Cricket

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