Cricket World Cup 2015: Australian player ratings against Afghanistan, perfect 10 for David Warner

AUSTRALIA produced a record-breaking thumping of Afghanistan at the World Cup - yet some still need to lift their game. Here’s our verdict on each player’s contribution.

TOPSHOTS Australia's David Warner raises his bat after reaching his 100 during the 2015 Cricket World Cup Pool A match between Australia and Afghanistan in Perth on March 4, 2015. AFP PHOTO / Greg WOOD --IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE--

AUSTRALIA produced a stunning, record-breaking performance to crush Afghanistan at the Cricket World Cup on Wednesday. Here’s our verdict on each player’s performance.

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DAVID WARNER 10

The latest in a long line of scintillating performances from the Australian opener. Smashed his way past Matt Hayden’s World Cup-high score of 158 and only one loose shot cost him a chance at Chris Gayle’s overall mark of 215. Simply unstoppable when at his best.

Australia's David Warner strikes off the back foot during his massive century.

AARON FINCH 3

No need to worry with Finch, he scored one of the best hundreds of the tournament in the opener against England. But two low scores against New Zealand and Afghanistan is a wake-up call. Needs to get going again.

STEVE SMITH 9

Timely return to form for Smith, who was pure class at the crease. His 260-run partnership with Warner was the biggest in Australian history and showed what potential he could have at the top of the order – in one-day and Test cricket. Disappointed not to make a hundred, but Smith needed to blow out some cobwebs, and now he’s done it – look out.

Steve Smith found some touch in a long stay at the crease against Afghanistan.

MICHAEL CLARKE 5

Selflessly didn’t bat himself for the sake of Australia pushing to a World-Cup record total. But it means he desperately needs time in the middle against Sri Lanka. Bowled without incident and took his first ODI wicket since 2012.

GLENN MAXWELL 9

Absolute freak. From the second ball he faced, Maxwell was pulling out every shot in the book and he executed with absolute precision from start to finish. Passed 50 in 21 balls and when he fell on 88 he was on track for the fastest ever hundred by an Australian.

This shot for six from Glenn Maxwell was scarcely believable.

MITCHELL MARSH 5

With Warner, Smith and Maxwell going off, Marsh didn’t really get a chance to show what he can do. Big call to keep him in the side ahead of Watson and the pressure will be on the young West Australian to deliver in the big games. Complained of a foot problem, but appears to be no injury.

JAMES FAULKNER 4

After more than a month on the sidelines, Faulkner could be forgiven a rare off day. Besides, Australia hardly needed his expert finishing last night. It was a shame their star all-rounder couldn’t spend more time in the middle, but there’s still plenty of time.

James Faulkner came in for Shane Watson but didn’t produce his best.

BRAD HADDIN 7

The oldest player in the Australian team seems to just get better with age. Only had nine balls last night but smashed 20 runs, including consecutive boundaries to take Australia past the world record 6-417.

MITCHELL JOHNSON 9

After missing out against New Zealand last week, returning to the WACA was a positive confidence-booster for the Australian spearhead. Johnson got back into his rhythm with a comprehensive four-wicket performance. Seeing batsmen jumping around again might be just the tonic he needs for the big games.

Mitchell Johnson was brilliant in claiming four wickets against Afghanistan.

MITCHELL STARC 6

Wasn’t the destruction of the previous week, but Starc still looked unplayable when he got it right. Those in-swinging yorkers will have a lot of batsmen sweating ahead of the quarters.

JOSH HAZLEWOOD 5

Solid two-wicket performance from Hazlewood but was it enough to book a permanent spot in the Australian attack when Pat Cummins returns? If Hazlewood gets another shot against Sri Lanka in Sydney he needs to cash in.

Originally published as Cricket World Cup 2015: Australian player ratings against Afghanistan, perfect 10 for David Warner