Australia player ratings vs West Indies: Openers’ blushes saved by rampant attack

For the second time this series, Australia’s top order failed to throw a punch against the West Indies. And once again it didn’t matter. But with an Ashes to come, is it time to worry? Every player rated.

Australia has taken out the second Test against the West Indies by 133 runs, with a red-hot bowling attack blowing the hosts away on day four in St George’s.

Here’s how all the players fared.

SAM KONSTAS

RATING 2.5

The teenager played some splendid shots in his day one 25 but they were interspersed with some loose work which eventually led to his downfall. Chopped on in the second innings as the spotlight intensifies.

USMAN KHAWAJA

RATING 2

A forgettable match for the 38-year-old, who has now been trapped by right-arm pace around the wicket in three straight innings. A poor second innings review suggested a hint of desperation.

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Usman Khawaja had a Test to forget. Picture: AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan

CAMERON GREEN

RATING 6.5

He’s getting there. Threw away a decent first innings start and rarely looked settled in the second dig but clawed his way to a half-century to ease some pressure.

STEVE SMITH

RATING 7

A rush of blood in the first innings led to a short stay in the middle but the returning star looked a class above on day three. Couldn’t get to triple figures but his importance to Australia was clear.

TRAVIS HEAD

RATING 5

Got starts in both innings but couldn’t go on with it in either innings, falling twice to Shamar Joseph. Snared a late first innings wicket to end the Windies’ 10th-wicket resistance.

BEAU WEBSTER

RATING 7

Struck in both innings as well as making a consolidatory half-century in Australia’s first dig when things were getting sticky. Just a very good all-round cricketer at the top of his game.

An all-rounder at the top of his game. Picture: AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan

ALEX CAREY

RATING 7.5

Another strong batting showing from the wicketkeeper, whose punchy half-century in the first innings helped shore up the tourists’ position. Unobtrusive with the gloves, which will suit him fine.

PAT CUMMINS

RATING 7.5

Took three wickets for the match including a super diving caught and bowled to remove Keacy Karty and then end a dangerous partnership between Shai Hope and Brandon King on day two.

MITCHELL STARC

RATING 7.5

Ended up with four wickets for the match, more than doing his bit in the thumping win as he made the most of up and down bounce. Bound for a 100th Test milestone in Jamaica.

Mitchell Starc rattled the West Indies in the fourth innings. Picture: AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan

NATHAN LYON

RATING 7.5

Was targeted by the Windies yet held his nerve to bag six scalps for the game. Hung in nicely late on day two as nightwatchman as well.

Nathan Lyon picked up six wickets for the game. Picture: Randy Brooks/AFP

JOSH HAZLEWOOD

RATING 8

A typically excellent performance from the paceman, whose four wickets for the match were all of recognised batters. A class act.

Originally published as Australia player ratings vs West Indies: Openers’ blushes saved by rampant attack