Australian Test player ratings: Carey shines, but who flopped?

Australia secured a dramatic three-wicket win over New Zealand, chasing down 279 to take the second Test and series.

Here’s how the players rated:

Alex Carey – 9
Despite a lean trot with the bat, Carey played with flare and enterprise in the second innings, guiding Australia to victory with an unbeaten 98 in what may be a career-defining knock. He also claimed 10 catches to equal Adam Gilchrist’s Australian record, although he dropped one diving in front of first slip.

Pat Cummins – 8
The captain dragged Australia back into the Test on day three with four wickets in another strong bowling display when New Zealand were threatening to get away. He also made 23 and an unbeaten 32, Australia’s third top score in the second innings.

Josh Hazlewood – 8
Claimed 5-31 in the first innings to put Australia in the box seat on day one after Cummins won the toss and bowled on a green pitch. Hazlewood was the most consistent of Australia’s bowlers across the series.

Marnus Labuschagne – 8
Made an important 90 in the first innings to hold Australia together. It should give him renewed confidence after an extended run of outs.

Alex Carey finished 98 not out.Credit: AP

Mitch Marsh – 7
After successive ducks Marsh’s luck turned with a dropped catch from the seventh ball of the day four. He continued to play in his bold, attacking style, making 80 in a free-flowing partnership of Carey. They added 140, a record sixth-wicket partnership for Australia against New Zealand.

Nathan Lyon – 6
The conditions weren’t as helpful as the turn and bounce he received in Wellington, but after bowling just two overs in the first innings Lyon claimed 3-49 in the second, ensuring Australia had a manageable total to chase.

Mitchell Starc – 6
Took three wickets in the first innings and made the initial breakthrough in the second with another solid performance with the ball.

Usman Khawaja – 4
The opener was unable to get a start in either innings against some quality New Zealand bowling on a helpful pitch.

Steve Smith managed scores of 11 and nine opening the batting in Christchurch.Credit: Getty

Travis Head – 4
The failures continue to mount for the attacking left-hander. He needs to find a way of mixing his natural aggression with a more secure batting style or the selectors will lose patience with his modes of dismissal.

Cameron Green – 4
The all-rounder was unable to find the tempo from the first Test, where he made a majestic 174 not out. Continues to be a useful change bowler to help Cummins rotate and rest an attack which has played seven Tests straight together across the summer.

Steve Smith – 2
The opening experiment continues to come undone, with the Steve Smith shuffle across the crease leaving him vulnerable to the new ball ducking back and hitting him on the pads in front of the stumps.

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