From the sublime to the ridiculous, Malcolm Conn ranks Australia’s and South Africa’s players

AFTER Australia’s dramatic 2-1 victory, Malcolm Conn runs the rule over the players from both teams.

David Warner kisses the badge on his helmet after scoring his second hundred of the third Test.

AFTER Australia’s dramatic 2-1 victory, Malcolm Conn runs the rule over the players from both teams who took part in the series with a mark out of 10.

AUSTRALIA

David Warner: 9 — The leading run scorer in the Ashes has taken his game to new heights, becoming the first player to make 500 runs in a three-Test series in South Africa.

News_Image_File: Mitchell Johnson was fast and aggressive apart from on the dead pitch in the second Test.

Mitchell Johnson: 9 — Another outstanding series with 22 wickets at 17 apiece. Dennis Lillee is the only Australian fast bowler to claim more wickets in a three-Test series.

Steve Smith: 7 — Another strong series with the bat, continuing his important development as an increasingly consistent middle order batsman for Australia.

Michael Clarke: 7 — Played one of his best and bravest innings to set up the decisive last Test with an unbeaten 161 after a quiet start to the series.

Ryan Harris: 6 — A slow start to the series but a big, brave finish in the last Test when it really counted.

News_Rich_Media: Australian quicks Ryan Harris and Mitchell Johnson reflect on their last gasp third Test and series win over South Africa in Cape Town.

Chris Rogers: 5 — Another steady series after a slow start playing a foil for the rampant David Warner.

Alex Doolan: 5 — Struggled at times but showed enough to suggest he has a long term future at number three.

Nathan Lyon: 5 — Another steady series but failed to make any real impact.

Shane Watson: 5 — Returned for the last Test and played a supporting role with bat and ball.

James Pattinson: 5 — Justified his inclusion in the last Test after no first class cricket for seven months.

News_Image_File: Shaun Marsh mixed the sublime with the dismal in the first two Tests before being left out of the third.

Shaun Marsh: 5 — The enigma continues. A brilliant century in the first Test, a pair in the second, and dropped for the last.

Peter Siddle: 4 — Whole-hearted as always but lack penetration and was dropped for the last Test.

Brad Haddin: 3 — Solid with the gloves but disappointing with the bat after a big Ashes series.

SOUTH AFRICA

AB de Villiers: 8 — Another strong series with little support, justifying his ranking as the world’s best batsman.

News_Image_File: AB de Villiers showed why he’s the top-ranked batsman in the world

Dale Steyn: 7 — The world’s most complete fast bowler was decisive in the second Test but injured during the third.

Hashim Amla: 7 — Played one of the innings of the series in Port Elizabeth but lack consistency for such a fine player.

JP Duminy: 7 — A handy player with bat and ball, playing as the front line spinner for the final two Tests.

Faf du Plessis: 5 — Played some handy innings but failed to dominate at any stage.

Vernon Philander: 4 — Made some handy runs but was disappointing with the ball.

Morne Morkel: 4 — Was constantly dangerous but must learn how to take wickets against quality opposition.

News_Rich_Media: 4.3 overs was all that separated South Africa and a series-retaining draw in the third Test at Newlands — but Ryan Harris struck just in time to give Australia victory in a frustrating final day for the visitors.

Dean Elgar:4 — One tough innings but generally struggled at Test level.

Wayne Parnell: 3 — Broke down after two early wickets in Port Elizabeth.

Quinton de Kock: 3 — An obvious talent but still very raw for Test cricket.

Alviro Petersen: 3 — Remains unconvincing as a Test player when the heat is on.

Kyle Abbott: 3 — A steady seamer who may struggle to make an impact at Test level.

Ryan McLaren: 3 — Another steady seamer who has limited Test cricket ahead of him.

Graeme Smith: 2 — A disappointing series. Looks like he should have retired beforehand.

Robin Peterson 2 — Not up to Test cricket as a spinner.