Jake Weatherald – 2 – Quiet game after a promising start to his Test career. Would be a potential Australian weakness for England to exploit had the Ashes not already been lost.
Travis Head – 8 – Any flicker of hope England might have had was snuffed out by a century from South Australia’s favourite son in the second innings. Head’s promotion to open the batting is a defining moment in the outcome of the series.
Marnus Labuschagne – 5 – No real contribution with the bat, but gets an extra mark apiece for two sensational catches at second slip. Still a nagging doubt he has a big score in him before the end of the series.
Usman Khawaja – 7 – Took his chance after Steve Smith’s illness, albeit via a life from Harry Brook. Should keep his place for Sydney.
Cameron Green – 4 – Could not produce a performance to match his huge Indian Premier League pricetag and batting two places too high. Took the important wicket of Brook in the first innings.
Alex Carey – 8 – Challenging Mitchell Starc as player of the series. Loses a point because he should have been given out in the first innings.
Josh Inglis – 4 – An important 32 when England sensed momentum on the first day, but hasn’t fully taken his chance. Could be squeezed out when Smith returns.
Pat Cummins – 7 – How has this man not bowled since July? Immediately into the groove with relentless accuracy. Once again an Ashes-winning captain.
Mitchell Starc – 6 – Not touching the heights of the first two Tests, though bowled with high pace in the first innings and took the key wickets of Jamie Smith and Will Jacks on the final day.
Nathan Lyon – 6 – Broke England’s resistance with a triple-wicket burst on the fourth evening, only to hobble off with a hamstring injury on the final day. Could be out for the series.
Scott Boland – 6 – Unsung hero of Australia’s attack, keeping up the pressure when the superstars rest. Will be in the conversation to rest in Melbourne, the venue where he destroyed England four years ago.
