Australia v India 2015 player ratings: Ian Chappell rates every Aussie cricketer’s series
THE Australian cricket team completed a series victory over India, prompting a report card like Ian Chappell never received at school.
Opinion
Don't miss out on the headlines from Opinion. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THE Australian cricket team completed a comprehensive series victory over India, prompting a report card like I never received at school.
Here’s my take on the 15 Aussies that represented their country during the four-Test series.
REPORT: AUSSIES, LYON FALL SHORT
PROMISING: JOSH, STARC FAST LEARNERS
SMITH: FLAT DECKS MADE GOING TOUGH
David Warner — 9
Has established himself as the most dangerous opener in the game. He’s added consistency to his highly entertaining approach and his ability to thrash the new ball and demoralise opponents has been one of the reasons for the sharp uplift in Australia’s fortunes.
He’s a very good all-round batsman, with a high-class off-spinner being the bowler most likely to trouble him. In addition to his exhilarating stroke play, he’s also the best fielder in the Australian side.
Chris Rogers — 7
His greatest attribute is his understanding of his own game and his role in the team. Rogers’ solidarity is the ideal foil for Warner, but as his confidence grows and the team is in a strong position in the series he expands his stroke range.
This pair have established a crucial partnership that sets the foundation for big first-innings scores. Rogers has earned his ticket to the Ashes series.
Shane Watson — 6
He has done just enough to hold his position at No. 3 but he needs to start converting starts into centuries if he hopes to remain in that position. His situation will become more acute when Mitchell Marsh returns, as there will be less reliance on his bowling.
Watson has benefited from a lack of alternatives at No. 3. He needs to secure the position if Australia are to regularly succeed against tougher opposition.
Steve Smith — 9
Has grown in stature as a batsman and his elevation to the captaincy has resulted in an amazing growth spurt. He now has an expansive stroke range and the confidence to produce them at any time. His captaincy has been steady rather than flamboyant as he has sought to establish his own style rather than mimic Michael Clarke. However, his challenging declaration at the SCG was more in keeping with his nature than the conservative closure at the MCG.
Michael Clarke — 9
Clarke is still the best batsman and captain in Australia. However, a spate of injuries means he has to prove he is capable of lasting a full series before he retains the captaincy. If there’s doubt about his ability to see out a series then he plays purely as a batsman and Smith is skipper.
Shaun Marsh — 6
The older Marsh is a talented player and has showcased those skills in the series against India. Nevertheless, questions remain about his consistency and fitness and until he eradicates those queries his place will be in question.
Mitchell Marsh — 7
The younger Marsh has inherited the family injury problems and this is a concern when he’s expected to bowl a fair amount. Mitch has many attributes; he bowls at a decent pace, hits the ball long and his batting is technically solid. He’s the ideal all-rounder, who gives you overs and rapidly increases the scoring rate to enhance the chances of victory.
Joe Burns — 5
Started to look comfortable at the SCG but the Indian bowling was pedestrian at times. He looks good playing his shots but tries to score too many runs behind the wicket and can be troubled by good spinners.
Brad Haddin — 8
Is still keeping extremely well and while his batting has slipped, he still mounts a counter-attack when the situation arises. He will probably retire after the Ashes series but fortunately Australia have good replacement options.
Mitchell Johnson — 9
While his pace and form were down in the Indian series, Johnson still has the aura to lead the Australian attack. His pace and aggression, powerful batting and great athleticism in the field make him an incredibly valuable member of the side. He will be a key player in the Ashes.
Mitchell Starc — 7
Starc was at his best at the SCG with Johnson out of the side. His good deliveries are up there with finest left-armers and he was more consistent at the SCG. If he can maintain that fire and consistency then he’ll become a fixture in the squad.
Ryan Harris — 8.5
Harris still has the heart of a lion and the persistence to match but his body is showing signs of fatigue. He could have one last campaign left in him and it may be wise to save that for the Ashes tour.
Nathan Lyon — 8
Lyon has progressed his off-spin by drifting the ball and that makes him more effective. Having bowled Australia to victory at the Adelaide Oval, he proved conclusively he’s the best tweaker in the country.
Josh Hazlewood — 7
Like Starc, Hazelwood’s best is very good; outswing at pace with the occasional steep bounce will trouble top-class batsmen. His pace dropped a bit in the first innings at the SCG but he bounced back with some of his best bowling as Australia pushed for victory. A good sign.
Peter Siddle — 5
After years of solid service, Siddle has slipped down the rankings as his pace slows. He’ll need some good first-class performances to stay in contention for the Ashes.
McGrath’s key fear for Test cricket amid T20 avalanche
Glenn McGrath is worried Test cricket could fade into obscurity then oblivion. The iconic fast bowler great chats to DANIEL CHERNY about the future of the sport and what needs to be done.
Inside the messy battle to stop Pucovski being a one-Test wonder
A panel of concussion experts will convene next month to rule on Will Pucovski’s cricket future. It’s possible he may never play again, but that’s just the start of explaining his complicated battle.