England player ratings – Atkinson shines but one star gets 1/10 | Cricket | Sport

England had no reply to the sensational Travis Head as Australia drew first blood in the Ashes. The middle-order batsman moved up the order due to an injury to Usman Khawaja with the hosts needing 205 to win after England were bowled out for 164 in their second innings. Ben Stokes and Co. completed a brilliant fightback against Australia on day one after being bowled out by the hosts for just 172 on a wicket that favoured the batting side.

The tourists were under huge pressure from the hosts at the Perth Stadium, but responded brilliantly ahead of today’s action. Ben Stokes claimed a five-wicket haul to leave Australia 9-123 heading into this morning’s session. Nathan Lyon and Brendan Doggett would add nine runs to the Aussies’ overnight total before Brydon Carse dispatched the former to give England a 40-run lead after both sides had batted.

Despite looking like they were in control heading into the lunch break, England collapsed losing nine wickets for 99 in the afternoon session and a masterclass from Head saw Australia romp home. The 31-year-old scored a sensational 123 off 83 deliveries including 16 fours and four sixes.

England’s bowlers were brilliant in Australia’s first innings, in the second they couldn’t lay a glove on the Aussies.

England second innings player ratings – by Matty Hewitt

Zak Crawley – 1

Another disappointing display with the bat and the first pair of his career. Another first over duck and a test match that he’ll be keen to put behind him.

Ben Duckett – 5

Built a steady partnership with Ollie Pope after Crawley departed. Played several nice strokes throughout his innings but England crumbled after his dismissal.

Ollie Pope – 5

Steady at the crease and scored the second highest amount of runs in the second innings, but he will be disappointed with his dismissal, which sparked the beginning of the end.

Joe Root – 2

Avoided a pair in his second innings, but he wasn’t able to add a meaningful score. England need their star man if they want to bring the urn home.

Harry Brook – 2

Played so well during England’s first innings, but was dismissed for a duck in their second when they needed some calmness in the middle. That’s not his game.

Ben Stokes – 3

Struggled with the bat again and couldn’t find an answer to break Travis Head’s resolve. Went for 17 in one over.

Jamie Smith – 4

Kept well and notched 15 runs before he was dismissed controversially.

Gus Atkinson – 5

Made a big impact in England’s second innings with 37 from 32 balls including two sixes to alleviate some pressure. Was England’s best bowler albeit from a disappointing bunch.

Brydon Carse – 5

Like his fellow bowler, hit two montser sixes to swing the balance back in England’s favour late on with 20 runs from 20 deliveries. Got the wicket of Jake Weatherald, but couldn’t add to it.

Jofra Archer – 3

His pace dropped off massively from his first innings with the ball. No maidens or wickets and was expensive.

Mark Wood – 3

Struggled to find his rhythm and didn’t look anywhere near as threatening.

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