Australia v England player ratings

Australia (Andrew Wu)

David Warner The veteran was due some luck after the 2019 series, and he got it in buckets full. Bowled off a no-ball from Ben Stokes on 17, Warner was dropped on 48 by Rory Burns and should have been run out on 60. His knock of 94 was just one run short of what he made during the entire Ashes campaign two years ago. Under an injury cloud with a rib issue. 8

Marcus Harris The opener hit the winning runs but otherwise did little in the game. England will work over Harris’s weakness outside off stump and know they have an opening at the top of the order. Selectors will give him every chance to succeed, but he has some work to do. 3

Marnus Labuschagne Another excellent performance by Australia’s No.3, who is fast becoming the most bankable batter in the side. In early, Labuschagne left with confidence, and flourished once he got his eye in, unleashing the power he developed in the off-season on a hapless Jack Leach. Has laid the foundations for a bumper series. 8

Marnus Labuschagne raises his bat after making a half century.Credit:Getty Images

Steve Smith For once, Australia won an Ashes Test without a significant contribution from their superstar batter. It was a most un-Smith-like dismissal, caught behind fishing outside off stump. The neurotic Smith, who once said he forgot how to hold his bat, will be spending hours in the nets this week trying to rediscover the magic. Gelled well with Cummins in new leadership pairing. 4

Travis Head Australian cricket has invested heavily in the South Australian – and this summer might be the time it gets its reward. Head’s rollicking 152 off 148 balls stopped England dead in its tracks after they had fought back with the ball on the second day. The challenge for Head will be playing with the same aggression when Australia is chasing the game. 9

Travis Head celebrates his hundred.Credit:AP

Cameron Green Bowled shouldering arms for a golden globe, the all-rounder made an important contribution with the ball, breaking through for his first Test wicket and claiming two more on the fourth day as Australia charged home. All Green needs now is a decent score with the bat and we could be seeing a special Test player blossom. 6.5

Alex Carey It’s not hard to see why he had long been the heir apparent behind the stumps to Tim Paine. The debutant was flawless with the gloves, his eight catches the record for a wicketkeeper on debut. Twin failures with the bat the only blemishes, but overall a solid first game for baggy green No.461. 7

Pat Cummins Australia’s new captain could not have asked for a better first game in charge. A dream first day in the office was followed by a bumpier second innings but the calmness in which he handled the situation and the team’s response on Saturday will fill him with confidence. His bowling was at its usual exemplary standard. 9

Mitchell Starc The left-arm speedster set the tone for the game, and perhaps the series, with his first-up strike on Rory Burns. Starc’s speed was up, and he found swing in the humid conditions. Struggled a bit in the second innings, but has the momentum up to take off with the pink ball. 7

Nathan Lyon Better late than never for his 400th Test wicket, which actually came at a crucial stage to break up a key partnership. The wickets flowed after, and it was the Lyon of old. Expect to see a more relaxed Lyon now that the milestone has been reached. 7.5

Nathan Lyon after taking Ollie Pope’s wicket.Credit:AP

Josh Hazlewood Crucial in the first innings with the big wicket of Joe Root but had his role reduced in the second due to an injury that has him in doubt for the second Test. It would be a blow for Australia if did not get to the start line in Adelaide, but the hosts have strong replacements waiting in the wings. 7.5

England (Phil Lutton)

Rory Burns First ball duck, small contribution in the second, fielded poorly. Has become a YouTube highlight for the opposition. A complete disaster, if we’re being honest. 1

Haseeb Hameed Showed some promise in navigating the new ball to get starts in the mid-20s in both innings. May have a big score in him over the summer. 5

Dawid Malan Missed out in the first innings but wasn’t exactly on a solo flight. Had England back in the game for a period with a resilient 82 in the second. 6.5

Joe Root A first innings duck was a major setback for the England captain. Struck back hard in the second with 89 but needed a big ton if they were to have any real hope 6.5

Joe Root frustrated Nathan Lyon.Credit:AP

Ben Stokes Scored 5 and 14 and was a non-factor with the ball (0-65) as he struggled with a knee injury. An understated return to Test cricket for the superstar all-rounder. 3

Ollie Pope Looked neat and tidy and batted with good intent in a first innings 35, could only add four in the second. A performance of some intrigue going forward perhaps. 4

Jos Buttler Loves to attack with the bat, made a crisp 39 in the first innings but couldn’t hang around when needed in the second. Quality player, will be a factor at some stage. 5

Chris Woakes The lesser of the England quicks (2-76) in this Test. Trundled in tirelessly but lacked penetration when the shine left the ball. Maybe Adelaide is his jam. 5

Ollie Robinson Bowled well from a great height, hit the right areas to be the pick of the touring attack with 3-58. A very solid Ashes debut. 6.5

Mark Wood Emptied the tank for his captain and bowled with relentless pace, even if his length was a little inconsistent. Beat the bat regularly and probably deserved better than 3-85. 6

Jack Leach Was tonked from his first over to his last to return figures of 1-102 off just 13 overs. Almost became a liability for Root instead of an asset. 2

Joe Root and Jack Leach talk tactics on day two.Credit:Getty Images

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