Ashes player ratings: Root and Stokes show fight but England beaten | Cricket | Sport
England were comfortably beaten by eight wickets as Australia took an emphatic 2-0 lead in the Ashes series . Defeat in Perth last month felt like a missed opportunity for the Three Lions, but this was a real lesson in Test match cricket from the hosts. England’s top order let them down, while Australia’s made the difference.
Joe Root’s valuable first innings century made him the pick of England’s batters, while Ben Stokes and Will Jacks showed some heart in the second. However, it was nowhere near enough with England’s bowlers struggling to find their line and length. Australia made light work of England’s 334, putting on 511. The Three Lions fought back on day four, but the Aussies weren’t troubled by the 65 run chase. Here’s how Matty Hewitt rated England’s players for the Express:
Zak Crawley – 6
Made a great first innings knock of 76 and looked to be building nicely in his second with 44. Plenty of room for improvement and gave his wicket away cheaply.
Ben Duckett – 2
A duck in his first innings and then dropped two key catches with Australia motoring. Made a steady start to his second innings but another disappointing wicket to lose.
Ollie Pope – 2
Serious question marks over his position at number three again. He’s become far too predictable.
Joe Root – 8
A much needed century gave England hope in the first innings. They can’t keep relying on his brilliance to win games.
Harry Brook – 3
A disappointing Test match from the world’s number two ranked batsman. England need a big improvement from him and to stop giving his wicket away needlessly.
Ben Stokes – 7
Looked like the only man capable of taking a wicket at one stage. A superb second innings from the England captain. He set an example for the top order to follow. Will be bitterly disappointed with his dismissal.
Jamie Smith – 3
Poor keeping in Australia’s first innings and has struggled with the bat. Compare that to Alex Carey’s display for Australia, the pair are miles apart.
Will Jacks – 5
Dug in deep and gave England a lifeline. A partnership of 96 runs with Stokes, though did look the more nervous one of the pair.
Gus Atkinson – 5
England’s most consistent bowler but didn’t reap many rewards. Not his best showing with the bat.
Brydon Carse – 4
Came away with four wickets but was expensive in his first innings going for 152 runs.
Jofra Archer – 5
Nowhere near his best with the ball but added some valuable runs with the tail.
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