Player ratings from Australia’s crushing win over Sri Lanka

New stars emerged from Australia’s crushing win over Sri Lanka, while two of Australia’s most accomplished players misfired to blow up our Ashes planning. FIRST TEST PLAYER RATINGS.

Usman Khawaja walks from the field after another failure. Picture: AAP

Australia have rebounded from a demoralising series defeat to India, crushing Sri Lanka by an innings and 40 runs.

New stars emerged at the Gabba, while two of Australia’s most accomplished players misfired again to blow-up our Ashes planning.

MARCUS HARRIS - 5

Did all the hard work to survive a brutal final session against the new ball under lights on day one but threw his wicket away with an incomprehensible shot in perfect batting conditions. Missed a real chance to notch a maiden Test ton. Took a sharp catch to remove little fella Dickwella in the second innings.

JOE BURNS - 5

Looked the goods early on his home deck after earning a Test re-call. Got a beauty from Lakmal and wasn’t required to bat again. Safe as houses in the slips cordon snapping up three sharp catches.

USMAN KHAWAJA - 3

Australia’s so called “only world class batsman” looks anything but at the minute. Another innings, another dismissal against off-spin. Desperately needs to find form ahead of the Ashes with Moeen Ali no doubt licking his lips in the Old Dart.

Usman Khawaja walks from the field after another failure. Picture: AAP

MARNUS LABUSCHAGNE - 8

Has Australia found its middle-order rock? Played beautifully for his 81. Rotated the strike with intent and looked composed playing down the ground - a handy trait to have in England. Combined with Travis Head for Australia’s highest partnership since Tim Paine took the captain’s armband. Missed a real chance to post his maiden ton.

TRAVIS HEAD - 8

Was the perfect foil for Labuschagne. Played with positive intent after weathering an early storm. Was dropped halfway through his innings but refused to be fazed, posting the highest score (84) of the innings. Got an absolute peach from Lakmal.

Travis head top scored for Australia.

KURTIS PATTERSON - 7

Alastair Cook 2.0. The best 30 since Rob Quiney’s nine. Looks a clone of Cook playing square of the wicket and would’ve benefited batting up the order. Point added for reeling in the ‘catch of the summer’ to hand Cummins his first ten-for.

TIM PAINE - 6

Got a first-ball jaffer from Lakmal but was flawless behind the stumps. Took five catches including a ripper off Nathan Lyon in the first innings to remove dangerous opener Dimuth Karunaratne. Bowling changes and plans were on point.

Pat Cummins registered his first ten-wicket haul. Picture: AP

PAT CUMMINS - 10

Australia has a new fast-bowling king. Was unplayable in both innings with swing, pace, length and variation bamboozling Sri Lanka. Looks a more experienced bowler with all his subtle variations on display. Registered his first ten-wicket haul thanks to Patterson’s screamer. The vice-captain is a real leader.

NATHAN LYON - 6

Loves the Gabba but had limited opportunities with Cummins firing at the other end. Looked promising early on the bouncy Brisbane deck but Sri Lanka blunted him well. Once again played the nightwatchman role with aplomb, navigating a tricky period under lights on day one.

MITCHELL STARC - 3

The grumblings are growing louder. Will he be on the plane to England? It’s a question that now must be asked. Australia’s X-factor has lost ‘it’ and pundits are at a loss for what’s hampering the big quick. Failed to pick up a second innings wicket after nabbing two tailenders in the first.

JHYE RICHARDSON - 8

“An Ashes gold nugget.” Has all but secured an Ashes berth after almost missing selection at the Gabba. Bowls with pace and accuracy, makes batsmen play and owns a Jimmy Anderson-like outswinger. Will be putting pressure on the ‘big three’ for a place in the XI at Edgbaston.

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Originally published as Player ratings from Australia’s crushing win over Sri Lanka