Outstanding Travis Head Century Has the Aussies Sailing To Victory Over the English
Zak Crawley – One
Tipped in Australian conditions but recorded just a rare duck in both innings from an English opener facing only a handful of deliveries.
Duckett – 5
Made starts during each knock. The way he got out on Saturday was when it began to fall apart for England.
Ollie Pope – 6
Appears better due to adjustments to his technique. Opening match in the series tends to be his best, then it goes downhill. The team need him to build on this.
Joe Root – 1
Far away from his maiden century on Australian soil. England need the wisdom from their star performer if they are to bounce back from this defeat.
Harry Brook – 5
His half-century during the initial knock was skittish, but valuable. Awful shot in the follow-on.
Stokes – Six
Came back from injury with a five-for, though looked out of touch with the bat. Lost control while fielding against Head's assault.
Smith – 4
Could have the skills for Australia, yet must to smarten up. Can expect a lot of bouncers going forward.
Gus Atkinson – 5
Involved in the strong English initial bowling effort and attempted to carry the fight while batting later on. Among the attack that fell apart during the match.
Brydon Carse – Five
Comparable to the previous, plus the mustard of being dominated by Head.
Archer – 5
Appeared impressive with the ball initially and was the top of a bad bunch later. Might yet play a key role in the series.
Mark Wood – Five
Finished wicketless, yet massively commendable to even take part given his absence.
Jake Weatherald – 6
Debutant had tough luck to be exposed against Archer early on, then contributed in the stunning pursuit of runs.
Usman Khawaja – 3
A bizarre Test. Did not look fit and had periods off the pitch. Held on to several key catches in the slips, but also looked slow in the field. Earns a point due to his injury which enabled Head to bat as opener.
Labuschagne – Seven
An effective return to the side. Handled England's bowling pressure more effectively than most initially, then backed up Head later.
Smith – 5
Seemed off form in the first innings. Unnecessary before the game attack on Monty Panesar.
Head – 9
Possibly churlish to not get a perfect score, however he played a pretty poor shot in the first innings. His follow-on hundred was an all-time great innings.
Green – 5
Took the crucial dismissal of Ollie Pope early. Rattled by one Mark Wood short ball when he batted. Barely required later in the match.
Alex Carey – Five
Attempted an aggressive response versus the English attack on the first evening. Tidy with the gloves.
Starc – 9
Carried the weight of the attack without Pat Cummins and Hazlewood achieving the first Aussie Ashes 10-wicket haul for two decades.
Boland – 6
Short of top form initially. Got better in the second to trigger the English batting collapse.
Doggett – 6
Steady debut. Quite capable replacement for the main bowlers and Hazlewood.
Nathan Lyon – 2
Virtually a spectator in a match controlled by fast bowling. Possibly picked up a knock after being hit by Mark Wood.
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