Australia secured a decisive 4-1 victory in the Ashes series with an emphatic win at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). The Australian team showcased their dominance, particularly in the final Test, where standout performances from several players contributed to this impressive series conclusion.
Player Ratings from the SCG Test
According to The West Australian’s Jackson Barrett, each player’s effectiveness during this match has been rated, reflecting their contributions to the team’s success.
Travis Head received a rating of 9 for his outstanding performance, scoring 163 runs in the first innings. His century was characterized by a comfortable batting style, particularly against bowlers Matthew Potts and Brydon Carse. Head’s aggressive start in the second innings, although chaotic, set the tone for the match.
Another player who impressed was Steve Smith, also rated at 9. His innings of 138 runs included 16 boundaries and exemplified his classic batting style, combining intricate techniques with aggressive stroke play. Despite a brief dismissal for 12 runs in the second innings, Smith’s contribution was crucial to Australia’s strong position.
Beau Webster earned a rating of 9 as well, proving his worth as an essential member of the team. He excelled with both bat and ball, scoring 71 runs and effectively supporting the tailenders. His versatility has established him as a player who cannot be easily replaced.
On the bowling front, Mitchell Starc and Michael Neser both received ratings of 7. Starc maintained his record of taking a wicket in the first over, dismissing Zak Crawley lbw in the second innings. He finished with figures of 3-72, contributing significantly to his team’s success. Neser’s performance was marked by 4-60 in the first innings, showcasing his ability to share new-ball responsibilities effectively.
Scott Boland was rated 6 for his solid bowling performance, taking two wickets in the second innings while maintaining an impressive economy rate of 1.84 across 25 overs. This included six maidens, adding to his total of four wickets in the match.
In contrast, Marnus Labuschagne and Alex Carey received ratings of 5. Labuschagne failed to convert starts into significant scores, making 48 and 37 in both innings. Carey, despite scoring 16 in each innings, was noted for his exceptional wicketkeeping, making crucial catches that aided the team’s performance.
Cam Green and Jake Weatherald were rated 4 for their disappointing outings. Green’s inability to establish himself despite promising starts raised concerns about his role in the middle order. Weatherald’s performance was also underwhelming, making 34 in the second innings but failing to secure the chase when it mattered.
Lastly, Usman Khawaja received a low rating of 2. His performances in the SCG fell short of expectations, with scores of 17 and 6, which did not reflect his usual standards.
This commanding victory at the SCG not only highlighted Australia’s cricketing prowess but also set the stage for future selections as the team looks to build on its success in upcoming series.
