In a stunning turn of events, England has clinched a Test match victory in Australia for the first time in nearly 15 years, triumphing over their rivals by four wickets in an extraordinary two-day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). This remarkable achievement has reignited hopes and sparked conversations among cricket fans around the world.
Let’s take a closer look at how each player performed during this thrilling contest:
Ben Duckett – Rating: 6
After a challenging period off the field, Duckett surely relished his return to action. While he faced another dismissal by playing across the line in the first innings, he played a crucial role in setting the momentum for England in the second innings.
Zak Crawley – Rating: 6
Crawley, under pressure as one of England’s openers, managed to help get the team off to a solid start in the second innings. However, he still needs to find his form with a significant score, especially with the traditional conditions expected in Sydney.
Jacob Bethell – Rating: 6
Bethell justified his selection with a composed performance, scoring 40 runs in the second innings—a feat that might have been out of reach for Ollie Pope. It will be intriguing to see how he performs on a more favorable, flat pitch.
Joe Root – Rating: 3
Root had a disappointing outing, failing to score in the first innings and managing only 15 runs in the second. He fought hard to ensure that Australia didn't gain momentum, yet he has struggled to find his rhythm since his magnificent century in Brisbane.
Harry Brook – Rating: 7
Brook’s explosive 41 runs in the first innings were undoubtedly pivotal, marking him as the standout performer of the match. His approach can be frustrating at times, but it also showcases his undeniable talent and creativity.
Ben Stokes – Rating: 7
Stokes delivered essential runs in the first innings and stepped up to bowl effectively after Gus Atkinson's injury. His commitment to the team is commendable and deserving of recognition.
Jamie Smith – Rating: 4
Smith showed improvement behind the stumps, although his position standing deep could have hindered his performance further. One wonders if anyone in the England coaching staff has pointed this out to him.
Will Jacks – Rating: 2
Jacks had a minimal impact on the game, batting only once and dropping a catch. Nevertheless, he can take pride in being part of an unusual victory for England in Australia.
Gus Atkinson – Rating: 6
Atkinson showcased his best performance of the series, contributing both with the ball and crucial runs late on day one, although his hamstring issue may sadly cut his series short.
Brydon Carse – Rating: 7
Carse’s bowling started slowly but improved dramatically, resulting in his best display of the series on the second day. He receives extra credit for his boldness in batting at number three.
Josh Tongue – Rating: 7
Tongue was exceptional on the first day, taking five wickets, including dismissing his nemesis, Steve Smith. With each appearance, he cements his position as a vital part of England’s bowling attack and was named player of the match.
Jake Weatherald – Rating: 2
Weatherald has struggled to demonstrate Test-level quality since his promising half-century in Brisbane. He should have been a target for England to exploit during this series.
Travis Head – Rating: 6
Head made headlines earlier in the week, appearing on the front page of the Herald Sun with his family during the festive season. Despite having a poor record at the MCG, he managed to score the highest runs of the match.
Marnus Labuschagne – Rating: 2
Labuschagne faced difficulties adjusting to the conditions, struggling to prove his worth after being recalled to the side.
Steve Smith – Rating: 5
Smith ran out of partners in the second innings and continued to struggle against Tongue, who dismissed him again. He earns a point for accurately predicting the challenges of batting in this match.
Usman Khawaja – Rating: 4
Khawaja batted for a while in the first innings without making quick runs, followed by a duck in the second. Will the upcoming match in Sydney mark the end of his Test career?
Alex Carey – Rating: 4
Carey had a quiet match with the bat, particularly considering he has been one of Australia's standout players this series. Nonetheless, he remained exceptional behind the stumps.
Cameron Green – Rating: 4
Green had two opportunities to build a score but fell victim to poor decisions, first getting run out and then playing a reckless shot. He appears to be gradually slipping down the batting order and could soon find himself at number twelve.
Michael Neser – Rating: 7
Neser was Australia’s most effective player in the first innings, excelling with both bat and ball, although he may face challenges if conditions are favorable in Sydney.
Mitchell Starc – Rating: 4
Starc would have anticipated a fruitful outing given the conditions, yet he ended up having an unusually subdued performance. His missed catch of Duckett proved to be quite significant.
Jhye Richardson – Rating: 3
Richardson’s return to Test cricket was limited, having waited four years for just two days of play, indicating a less impactful comeback than hoped.
Scott Boland – Rating: 6
Boland did not replicate the heroics of his memorable Boxing Day Ashes Test from four years ago. However, he earns points for his unique experience of batting at number eleven and opening on the same day.
