India v Australia series player ratings: Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon and debutants shine

Which Aussie came away with the highest rating of the series? There were plenty to bomb, but these players showed their class ahead of the Ashes.

Australia missed out on taking home the Border-Gavaskar trophy after falling two behind following the first two Tests.

But from there, it was a much-improved performance with the visitors claiming the third Test before the final Test ended in a draw.

So how did every Aussie rate in their performance, scroll down and have your say.

SCOTT BOLAND 2

Greg Chappell argued that Australia erred by dropping Scott Boland after the first Test, adamant he should have been a fixture through the series. Boland only played the first match and failed to take a wicket despite keeping scoring tight.

MATT RENSHAW 1

Had some bad luck, but this was a forgettable series for Renshaw and only time will tell if it has hurt his stocks for the Ashes.

MITCHELL STARC 3

Was a massive out for Australia in the first two Tests. Bowled well without much luck in the third Test before struggling in the final Test on a flat pitch in Ahmedabad.

Matthew Kuhnemann showed plenty with his five-wicket haul in the third Test. Picture: Getty Images

MATTHEW KUHNEMANN 7

Outstanding debut Test series, taking nine wickets in three Tests. Only flew to India days’ before the second Test. His brilliant five-wicket haul in the third Test was decisive in the context of that match. Has a big opportunity to nail down his spot for future Asian tours.

DAVID WARNER 2

Struggled for form until a nasty concussion and fractured elbow in the second Test ended his tour prematurely. Will return to India for the ODI matches starting on Friday with a point to prove ahead of the Ashes.

Todd Murphy has announced himself as the ultimate heir to Nathan Lyon’s throne. Picture: Getty Images

TODD MURPHY 8

Deserves immense praise for the poise and control he showed in his debut series, and didn’t fade at all across four gruelling Test matches. His seven-wicket haul on debut will live long in the Test records and Murphy has announced himself as the ultimate heir to Nathan Lyon’s throne (not that Lyon is showing any signs of slowing). Fourteen wickets for the series.

ALEX CAREY 7.5

Was not a happy series for Carey with the bat, but he was simply outstanding with the gloves. Former Test keeper Brad Haddin hailed Carey’s brilliant catching in the Indian dirt, and he outshone Indian keeper KS Bharat by the length of the straight.

PAT CUMMINS 4

Made the right decision to come home to be by his ill mother’s side after the second Test and Australia will welcome him back with open arms for the ODI series. Cummins’ didn’t have a happy second Test — a rare moment where he looked human on the cricket field.

Nathan Lyon holds up the ball after he took eight wickets in an innings during the Third Test. Picture: Getty Images

NATHAN LYON 9

The GOAT nickname is looking more and more fitting by the tour. Lyon was below par in the first Test, but fought back brilliantly to finish with 22 wickets for the series at an average of 22. Match-winning performance in the third Test and these kind of days’ in India are rare and to be savoured. Now the most successful overseas bowler in India ever.

STEVE SMITH 5.5

By Smith’s lofty standards, he didn’t quite nail the tour as a batsman. But he couldn’t have done much more as skipper since taking the reins from Cummins for the final two Tests. Smith’s captaincy in the third Test in particular was inspired and tactically brilliant. Was key in an incredible turnaround after the embarrassment of the first two Tests.

PETER HANDSCOMB 6

Outstanding selection and while the selectors were critiqued heavily for the non-selection of Head — they deserve praise for recalling Handscomb. Extremely solid with the bat and excellent in the field. Could he go to England as well?

Australia's Usman Khawaja was outstanding on the subcontinent. Picture: Getty Images

USMAN KHAWAJA 9.5

Another sublime series for the Shane Warne Australian Test player of the year. Khawaja had been consigned to water boy duties on his two previous tours of India, but finishes with a rare Test century. In extremely difficult batting conditions, Khawaja was excellent from Test two onwards.

MARNUS LABUSCHAGNE 6.5

Will learn plenty from this tour, but even amid some struggles — Labuschagne was still more than handy. Labuschagne got stuck on the crease a few times, but deserved his half century to finish the tour on a high.

TRAVIS HEAD 8.5

The head-scratching call not to play Head in the first Test will be talked about every time Australia tours the subcontinent from now on and attempts to pick a horses for courses batting order. To his credit, Head hasn’t let the unexpected setback hurt his confidence and was critical in the famous Test win in Indore with his heavy-duty 49 not out. Deserved 100 for his 90 in Ahmedabad and finishes with an average of 47.

Travis Head made the most of his opportunities when they finally arrived. Picture: AFP

CAMERON GREEN 7.5

Could things have been different for Australia in this series had Green been fit from the first Test? Or even the second? It’s entirely possible. Losing the all-rounder was a decisive body blow and his form upon return in Tests three and four proved it. A maiden Test century in Ahmedabad will have England nervous ahead of the Ashes.

Originally published as India v Australia series player ratings: Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon and debutants shine