Australia v Pakistan player ratings: See which Aussie scored a perfect 10

Australia has an embarrassment of riches with the ball. But did selectors get this one right? Read the player ratings from Australia v Pakistan.

Alex Carey solidified his place as Australia’s best wicket keeper and contributed with the bat. Picture: AFP Images

There is nothing easy about a tour of the subcontinent.

But someone forgot to tell Usman Khawaja that. After a stunning series against Pakistan, the top order batsman was given a perfect 10 from News Corp cricket writer Ben Horne in his player ratings.

He wasn’t the only one to score big, with a superstar bowler picking up a 9.5.

Did we get the ratings right? Take a look at the full ratings below and have your say in the comments section.

USMAN KHAWAJA 10

Two centuries and two 90s at the top of the order gave Australia the foundation blocks they needed to win in Pakistan as Khawaja produced the most dominant series of his career. Khawaja amassed 496 runs at an average of 165 to continue his unbelievable comeback to Test cricket. A Test average of 50 is now within sight at age 35. And even more special to do it in the country of his birth. Khawaja top scored in all five of Australia’s innings for the series, was not dismissed under 50 and was named man of the series.

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Usman Khawaja led from the front for Australia. Picture: AFP Images

DAVID WARNER 6

Two 50s for the series gave Australia a solid base to build on alongside Khawaja at the top. Would be disappointed not to have gone on for a century in the first Test in particular, but there is plenty to like about the old boys as Australia’s new opening pairing heading into the tour of Sri Lanka this winter.

MARNUS LABUSCHAGNE 6

Made a 90 in the first Test in Rawalpindi but his extreme DIY home preparation in anticipation of treacherous spinning decks might have been better left to wait for Sri Lanka in June – following the flat, lifeless pitches served up in Pakistan. A couple of uncharacteristic dismissals, including a brain fade run-out – and made two ducks having only made one previously in his career. But the No. 1 batsman in the world will be better for the run. Set a brilliant example with two direct-hit run outs during long and taxing stints in the field.

STEVE SMITH 7

Still desperately searching for that elusive hundred, but it was a fine series for Smith with the bat – averaging 56 with three half centuries and sitting second behind Khawaja on the run chart. Became the fastest ever to 8000 Test runs (151 innings) in Lahore, passing Kumar Sangakkara (152) and Sachin Tendulkar (154) in terms of innings played to reach the milestone. For such a brilliant fieldsman, Smith struggled at first slip, shelling a number of chances – including one which arguably cost Australia the second Test.

Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja were Australia’s leading batsmen. Picture: AFP Images

TRAVIS HEAD 4

Challenging series for Head after the highs of being named man of the series in the Ashes. Never really looked comfortable and could come under pressure to hold his spot in Sri Lanka if Australia need to try and manufacture a result. In subcontinental conditions there is certainly an argument for playing an extra all-rounder in Mitchell Marsh or an extra bowler in Ashton Agar in his place to provide more wicket-taking options.

CAMERON GREEN 7

Hadn’t quite made the breakthroughs with the ball he produced during the Ashes, until he started the ball rolling with a crucial wicket to start day five of the last Test. Averaged 51 for the series with the bat to mark another step forward in his development. Could have had a maiden Test hundred in the third Test in Lahore, but that precious milestone doesn’t feel far away. Serious player in the making.

ALEX CAREY 8

Exactly the series Carey needed after an up and down Ashes. The wicketkeeper cemented his place behind the stumps for Australia with clean catching and some excellent contributions with the bat. Two half centuries at an average of 59.66 and with innings which really changed the shape of Australia’s shot at victory.

MITCHELL STARC 8.5

Took four wickets in the first innings of the last Test and a critical scalp in the second innings to enhance his reputation as an Australian fast bowler for the ages. Starc sits eighth on the list of Australia’s leading Test wicket-takers with 282. At 32, he has Craig McDermott (291 wickets), Brett Lee (310) and Mitchell Johnson (313) squarely in his sights. Followed on from his brilliant Ashes summer and more than justified the decision to stick with him over the unlucky Josh Hazlewood.

Mitchell Starc continues to climb Australia’s fast bowling ranks. Picture: AFP Images

PAT CUMMINS 9.5

What a cricketer. Took 12 wickets at an average of 22.5 on some of the flattest wickets you’ll ever see in Test cricket – including the series-clinching scalp late on day five of the third Test. Also averaged 53 with the bat. Brilliant sporting declaration in the final Test which risked it all to win it all. Triumphant moment which ended debate once and for all over whether a fast bowler can be a Test captain.

MITCHELL SWEPSON 5

Went wicketless in the third Test but didn’t look out of place at Test level. Swepson had to be cut some slack for the fact he had barely played any cricket this summer due to being in the Australian camp as a standby player in a Covid bubble. Will be better for the experience and will be a vital weapon when Australia heads to Sri Lanka in the winter.

NATHAN LYON 8.5

Question marks were hovering over Lyon as Australia’s failure to clinch fifth day victories started to add up. But Lyon stood up when it mattered most in Pakistan. Took four wickets in the last innings of the second Test – to no avail. But in one of the signature moments of his career delivered a five-wicket haul on the final day of the series to clinch Australia the Benaud-Qadir Trophy. Lyon had to bowl a serious amount of overs and was unwaveringly consistent throughout. Great Test bowler.

JOSH HAZLEWOOD 5

Very unlucky not to play more than one Test given he’s one of the world’s most reliable and premier fast bowlers. Failed to pocket a wicket on the Rawalpindi road (which was no crime), but did keep the run rate to a miserly 1.96 from his 31 overs.