Australia’s Ashes series player ratings: who starred and who flopped?
AUSTRALIA romped to an emphatic 4-0 Ashes series win at the SCG but not every player could reach the heights of Steve Smith. We rate every Australian players’ series score.
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AUSTRALIA romped to an emphatic 4-0 Ashes series win at the SCG but not every player could reach the heights of Steve Smith.
We rate every Australian players’ series score. Do you agree with our ratings?
CAMERON BANCROFT
Match rating: 1
Series rating: 3
Stats: 179 runs @25.57
Things went rapidly downhill for Bancroft after his classy 83* in Brisbane. He may have cost himself a spot in South Africa when producing a duck egg in his final opportunity to impress selectors in Sydney.
DAVID WARNER
Match rating: 7
Series rating: 8
Stats: 441 @63
The livewire opener hit double figures every knock and gave his side a strong base to build from the entire series, sensational.
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USMAN KHAWAJA
Match rating: 9.5
Series rating: 7
Stats: 333 runs @47.57
Khawaja also managed double-digit scores in every knock this series without going large, before his brilliant 171 in Sydney proved a timely confidence boost heading towards South Africa.
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STEVE SMITH
Match rating: 8
Series rating: 9.5
Stats: 687 runs @137.40
Everything that needs to be said has been said about the Australian skipper. Fair to say he’s earned a quiet bevy or 12. Only his poor hands in the field cost him a perfect 10.
SHAUN MARSH
Match rating: 9.5
Series rating: 8
Stats: 445 runs @74.16
Two tons and a half-century in every Test except his sole innings in Perth. Australia have been desperate for a consistent number six for years, and despite his age, Marsh provided the answer.
MITCHELL MARSH
Match rating: 8.5
Series rating: 8.5
Stats: 320 @106.66, 0 wickets
We’re sorry Mitch. The potential has always been there, and it finally came to fruition this summer. Bowling disappointing in limited opportunities.
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TIM PAINE
Match rating: 8.5
Series rating: 8
Stats: 192 runs @48, 25 Cts, 1 St
The less heard about a wicketkeeper’s performance the better. Brilliant with the gloves, aggressive and consistently contributing with the willow.
MITCHELL STARC
Match rating: 6
Series rating: 8
Stats: 22 wickets @23.54
Spearheaded the attack with vigour to terrorise the Poms across the summer. His value in finishing the tail was truly recognised during his Melbourne absence.
PATRICK CUMMINS
Match rating: 9
Series rating: 8.5
Stats: 23 wickets @24.65, 166 runs @41.50
We finally saw the rapid quickie on home soil after seven long years, and he didn’t disappoint. Most importantly, he finished the series injury free.
JOSH HAZLEWOOD
Match rating: 6.5
Series rating: 8
Stats: 21 wickets @25.90
By the lofty standards of Josh Reginald Hazlewood he was a touch off throughout the series, fortunately when you’re one of the world’s best bowlers it doesn’t matter, lethal.
NATHAN LYON
Match rating: 7
Series rating: 8
Stats: 21 wickets @29.23
Jordan, Slater, Messi, Federer, Lyon. Genuine bounce proved deadly on flat decks, bowled for huge periods, a stellar series that’ll be remembered for some time. All hail the GOAT.
PETER HANDSCOMB
Match rating: N/A
Series rating: 2.5
Stats: 62 runs @20.66
An unfavourable WACA deck cost Handscomb his spot short-term, a reinvented Mitch Marsh may cost him his spot long-term. He’ll be back.
JACKSON BIRD
Match rating: N/A
Series rating: 1
Stats: 0 wickets
An unfavourable MCG pitch labelled ‘poor’ by the ICC didn’t suit Bird, potential to be a force in the UK next Ashes.
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