England Finally Breaks the Drought: A Hard-Fought Ashes Victory and Player Ratings That Spark Debate
After a staggering 19 matches and 16 losses, England has finally tasted victory on Australian soil in a Test match, ending a drought that stretched back to January 2011. But here’s where it gets controversial—was this win a testament to England’s resilience, or did Australia’s pitch conditions play a bigger role than we’re willing to admit? The MCG pitch was a beast, leaving no batter unscathed, yet England’s second-innings blitz secured their survival and avoided the dreaded whitewash. Now, let’s dive into the player ratings from the fourth Ashes Test, where some performances shone brightly, while others left us scratching our heads.
ZAK CRAWLEY — 5
Crawley’s journey in this match was a rollercoaster. Dismissed early in the first innings by Mitchell Starc, he redeemed himself in the second with a crisp six and a smashing cover drive. His 37 runs before being trapped LBW by Scott Boland were crucial, proving he’s a force to be reckoned with in Australian conditions. But is he consistent enough to be England’s long-term solution? That’s a debate for another day.
BEN DUCKETT — 5
Duckett’s Ashes run has been underwhelming, and this match was no exception. Dismissed for 2 in the first innings, he looked shaky early in the second before finding his rhythm against Michael Neser. His 34 runs were hard-fought, but the question remains: can he handle the pressure of being an opener on the biggest stage? And this is the part most people miss—his ability to scrap out runs in tough situations might just be his saving grace.
JACOB BETHELL — 6
Bethhell’s inclusion at number four raised eyebrows, given his lack of first-class hundreds. Yet, he impressed with a swashbuckling 40, including a reverse ramp that left fans in awe. However, his dismissal—hitting straight to cover—highlighted his inexperience. Was England’s decision to thrust him into this role fair? Or did they set him up to fail? Let’s discuss.
JOE ROOT — 3
Root’s tour has been a tale of familiar dismissals, and this match was no different. His fourth duck in Australia came amid a top-order collapse, and his second-innings 15 didn’t do much to redeem him. Yet, he’ll undoubtedly cherish England’s long-awaited Test win Down Under. But here’s the question: is Root still the batting powerhouse England needs, or is it time for a new era?
HARRY BROOK — 8
Brook’s audacity is unmatched. His charge down the wicket to Mitchell Starc on his first ball was either genius or madness—you decide. His 41 runs on day one, highlighted by an inside-out six, showcased his flair. Even in a brief second-innings knock, he proved that aggression can pay off in tough conditions. Is Brook the future of England’s batting lineup? The evidence is compelling.
BEN STOKES — 8
Stokes’ 16 runs in the first innings looked better than the scorecard suggests, and his bowling was nothing short of elite. With figures of 1/25 and 3/24, he led from the front, even if Mitchell Starc had his number again. But here’s the controversial take: Stokes’ captaincy has been stellar, but is his batting living up to the same standard? Share your thoughts below.
JAMIE SMITH — 4
Smith’s struggles continued with a dismissal for 2 on day one, though his keeping was sound. His brief second-innings cameo didn’t offer much, but he’ll be eager to prove himself in Sydney. Is he the right man behind the stumps for England, or is there a better option waiting in the wings?
WILL JACKS — 2
Jacks’ 10-ball innings ended with an inside edge to Alex Carey, and he didn’t get another chance to bat. His lack of deployment with the ball raises questions about his role in the team. Is Jacks a luxury England can’t afford, or does he just need more opportunities?
GUS ATKINSON — 8
Atkinson’s exclusion in Adelaide now seems baffling. His precision with the ball and crucial 28 runs with the bat were game-changing. However, his left hamstring injury is a concern. Was his omission earlier in the series a tactical blunder? Let’s hear your take.
BRYDON CARSE — 6
Carse’s Ashes series has been a rollercoaster. After a wicketless first spell, he bounced back with 4/34 in the second innings, dismissing key players like Travis Head. His shock cameo at number three added to the drama. But here’s the question: is Carse’s volatility an asset or a liability for England?
JOSH TONGUE — 9
Tongue’s performance was the highlight of the match. His five-wicket haul on Boxing Day left everyone wondering why he wasn’t selected sooner. Dismissing Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja proved his class. But here’s the controversial part: did England’s selectors underestimate him? And if so, what does that say about their judgment? Let’s debate this in the comments.
Final Thoughts
England’s win was hard-fought, but it’s sparked more questions than answers. From player selections to individual performances, there’s plenty to discuss. What’s your take on England’s future in the Ashes? Who deserves more opportunities, and who should step aside? Share your thoughts below—let’s keep the conversation going!
