Ben Duckett – 2 – Arrived with a reputation as one of the best openers in the world, only to suffer a collapse in form and presence. Failures of others were predictable, Duckett’s was not and is a huge concern.
Zak Crawley – 6 – Showed admirable fight and adaptability in England’s second innings, but probably needs a hundred to be immune from a post-series clearout.
Ollie Pope – 2 – Test career over for now? Averages 17.6 in Ashes Tests. Only one other player this century – England’s Dennis Amiss – has had as many as Pope’s 16 innings in the top six in Ashes Tests and averaged less.
Joe Root – 4 – Two starts, without making a telling contribution. Twice dismissed by Cummins, for whom Root is a bunny. The Yorkshireman must be pleased the Australia captain missed the first two Tests of the series.
Harry Brook – 5 – Largely stayed true to his promise to “rein it in”, but the second-innings dismissal reverse-sweeping Lyon was ugly. Would be a huge waste if Australia does not see his best on this tour.
Ben Stokes – 6 – Battled bravely in England’s first innings, even if his resistance never seemed likely to turn into a trademark miracle. Did not bowl when England needed him on day three.
Jamie Smith – 6 – Finally got into the series with a counter-attacking 60 in the second innings, now has to kick on in Melbourne and Sydney.
Will Jacks – 6 – A part-time spinner unfairly asked to do the job of a veteran. Resisted admirably with the bat, making himself harder to leave out.
Brydon Carse – 5 – Continuing a bizarre tour of picking up wickets despite not bowling well. England have a decision to make over the Durham man in Melbourne.
Jofra Archer – 8 – Emerging as England’s player of the tour. A maiden Test half-century and first five-wicket haul in six years. Demonstrating it was more than worth the wait for him to return to full fitness.
Josh Tongue – 6 – Encouraging return after being overlooked for the first two Tests. Was the unfortunate bowler for the Khawaja drop and Carey Snicko shocker. Should get another go in Melbourne.
