England
Ben Stokes: 184 runs at 18.4; 15 wickets at 25.1; two catches
Stokes faced a difficult seven weeks as England’s captain, unable to match his team’s ambition or his own will. His personal performance deteriorated under the pressure, and while one can sympathize with his passion, he undeniably made errors in preparation for this challenging yet winnable series. Being dismissed three times bowled, caught behind six times, and run-out once somewhat mitigated the farcical scenario of finding a deep fielder for his slogging. For someone who ranks 12th on England’s all-time Test runs list, this performance did not reflect well. Grade C
Zak Crawley: 273 runs at 27.3; four catches
Crawley was expected to pressure bowlers from the outset but instead burdened England’s fragile No 3. Critics pointed out that his performance, including his dismissals, aligned with expectations after 64 Tests in a somewhat eclectic career. Grade C-
Ben Duckett: 202 runs at 20.2; three catches
Though his aggressive batting style was effective against weaker bowlers, Duckett struggled against the disciplined home attack, achieving only a high of 42 runs but maintaining a strike rate of 91. He needs to capitalize on new opportunities following Jacob Bethell’s promising performances. His fielding was also lacking. Grade D
Ollie Pope: 125 runs at 20.8; two catches
Pope’s disjointed performance reflected disconnect, with his movements seemingly out of sync. He must refine his skills at the domestic level if he hopes to regain his position on the England team. Grade D-
Jacob Bethell: 205 runs at 51.3; one wicket at 68.2; one catch
Bethell’s impressive innings of 154 in a match that was nearly lost highlights his potential. He showcased not only aggressive batting but also the temperament to endure long sessions, making a strong case for his place in the team. Grade A
Joe Root: 400 runs at 44.4; no wickets; three catches
Aside from his remarkable centuries, Root’s tour was disappointing as he succumbed to the Australian bowlers too frequently. However, his exceptional batting shone through amid the collapse of the England team. Grade B
Harry Brook: 358 runs at 39.8; 11 catches
Brook, filled with talent, often prioritized flair over essential runs, resulting in a significant waste of scoring opportunities. His potential goes unrealized unless he learns restraint in critical moments. Grade C-
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