‘Test career over for now?’ – Ashes player ratings

Australia has defeated England by 82 runs in the third Test, clinching a 3-0 lead and securing the Ashes at the soonest opportunity.

Here are the player ratings:

Ben Duckett – 2 – Entered with the reputation of being one of the finest openers globally but has seen a decline in form and presence. Others faltered as anticipated, but Duckett’s struggles were unexpected and are quite troubling.

Zak Crawley – 6 – Demonstrated commendable perseverance and adaptability in England’s second innings, yet might require a century to secure his position amidst an impending post-series shakeup.

Ollie Pope – 2 – Is this the end of his Test career for now? An average of 17.6 in Ashes Tests. Only one other player this century – England’s Dennis Amiss – has as many as Pope’s 16 innings in the top six of Ashes Tests and a lower average.

Joe Root – 4 – Two starts without making a significant mark. Dismissed twice by Cummins, who seems to have Root’s number. The Yorkshireman must be relieved that the Australia captain was absent for the first two Tests of the series.

Harry Brook – 5 – Generally kept to his commitment to «rein it in,» but the second-innings dismissal while reverse-sweeping Lyon was unsightly. It would be a significant loss if Australia does not witness his best on this tour.

Ben Stokes – 6 – Fought valiantly in England’s first innings, though his resistance never really seemed likely to result in a classic miracle. Did not bowl when England required him on day three.

Jamie Smith – 6 – Finally made his way into the series with an aggressive 60 in the second innings and must now build on this in Melbourne and Sydney.

Will Jacks – 6 – A part-time spinner unfairly expected to fill the shoes of a seasoned player. Batted commendably, making it tougher for selectors to omit him.

Brydon Carse – 5 – Continues a strange tour, collecting wickets despite bowling poorly. England faces a choice regarding the Durham bowler in Melbourne.

Jofra Archer – 8 – Emerging as England’s standout player of the tour. Achieved a maiden Test half-century and his first five-wicket haul in six years. Proving that his comeback to full fitness has been well worth the wait.

Josh Tongue – 6 – Promising return after missing the first two Tests. Was the unfortunate bowler involved in the Khawaja drop and Carey Snicko incident. Should receive another chance in Melbourne.

Jake Weatherald – 2 – Had a subdued match after an encouraging start to his Test career. Might pose a potential vulnerability for England to take advantage of, had the Ashes not already been decided.

Travis Head – 8 – Any glimmer of hope England may have had was extinguished by a century from South Australia’s favorite player in the second innings. Head’s elevation to opening was a pivotal moment in the series’ outcome.

Marnus Labuschagne – 5 – Failed to make a significant impact with the bat but earns an additional point for two remarkable catches at second slip. Still, there’s a lingering suspicion that he has a substantial score in him before the series concludes.

Usman Khawaja – 7 – Seized his opportunity following Steve Smith’s illness, albeit benefiting from a life granted by Harry Brook. Should retain his place for Sydney.

Cameron Green – 4 – Was unable to deliver a performance worthy of his significant Indian Premier League price tag and batted too high in the order. Claimed the vital wicket of Brook in the first innings.

Alex Carey – 8 – Competing with Mitchell Starc for player of the series honors. Loses a point for not being given out in the first innings when he should have been.

Josh Inglis – 4 – An essential 32 when England seemed to have the upper hand on the first day but has not entirely capitalized on this chance. May find himself sidelined once Smith returns.

Pat Cummins – 7 – How has this player not bowled since July? Instantly found his rhythm with unyielding precision. Once again an Ashes-winning skipper.

Mitchell Starc – 6 – Not reaching the same heights as in the first two Tests, yet bowled with pace in the first innings and captured crucial wickets of Jamie Smith and Will Jacks on the final day.

Nathan Lyon – 6 – Broke England’s resistance with a three-wicket burst on the fourth evening but limped off with a hamstring injury on the last day. May miss the rest of the series.

Scott Boland – 6 – The unsung hero of Australia’s bowling attack, maintaining the pressure while the stars rest. Will be considered for a break in Melbourne, the venue where he devastated England four years prior.