Ashes second Test: Australia and England player ratings

Ben Duckett – 2

Got a first-baller, which can happen to anyone, and unlucky to get the grubber from Scott Boland in the second innings. His first-innings drop of Alex Carey was a crucial moment in the game.

Zak Crawley – 5

Showed courage in the first innings to put a first-Test pair behind him and looked good in the second until a thoughtless shot. Now playing for his future in the team.

Ollie Pope – 2

Horrific shot in the first innings and not much better in the second. Feels most vulnerable to be replaced if England make changes to the top order.

Joe Root – 8

Finally got the elusive century in Australia and the scenes on the first evening were of genuine affection to an England legend. Still, Root will know the result has diminished the meaning of his achievement.

Harry Brook – 2

Unforgivable chasing of Mitchell Starc in the twilight ended a skittish first innings, made all the more wasteful when he was out to a good ball in the second. Not currently acting like a captain-in-waiting.

Ben Stokes – 6

Tactically had a poor game, but tried to set an example to his team-mates with the bat. Unfortunate to be run out in the first innings and furious he could not conjure another escape in the second.

Jamie Smith – 1

Faced 13 balls for four runs, dropped a catch and did not move for another. A real worry the gloveman is wilting under the pressure of an Ashes tour.

Will Jacks – 6

Did what was expected in his first Test for three years. Battled with the bat, was tidy with the ball once Stokes remembered him and took a stunning catch. Up the order in Adelaide?

Gus Atkinson – 3

Has not bowled badly, yet has only managed three wickets in the series. Is gifting away his wicket down the order when England need his runs – he has a century at Lord’s.

Brydon Carse – 4

Effort levels never drop, but four wickets flatter his bowling, which rarely included a delivery in the batter’s half. Another who could contribute more with the bat, given his ability.

Jofra Archer – 4

Gets a mark for his first-innings batting, then loses it for turning up on day three with a pillow tucked under his arm. Developing an unhappy knack of bowling well without taking wickets.

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