Australia vs India Test Series Player Ratings – Who Rated Well And Who Didn’t.

After rain washed out the final day of the 4th Test at the SCG and ultimately handed India a well deserved 2-1 series victory, which is their first ever Test series victory on Australian soil. We rate every individual players performance out of 10. It translates to ugly reading for Aussie fans.

Australia-

Marcus Harris: 

• 258 runs @36.8. HS 79

• 7/10 

Showed enough promise to hold his spot for for the upcoming 2 Test series against Sri Lanka and possibly an Ashes birth. Will be desperate for a big hundred to secure his spot at the top of the order.

Aaron Finch:

• 97 runs @16.6. HS 50

• 3/10

Was dropped ahead of the final Test after failing regularly throughout the series. Did contribute 50 runs towards a game defining 112 run stand with Marcus Harris at Perth. Will be a long road back to the Test arena.

Usman Khawaja:

• 198 runs @ 28.2. HS 72

• 5/10

Another top order batsman that failed to fire. Arguably his countries most important batsman without Smith and Warner. His 72 in the second innings at Perth was crucial but few and far between. Continued conjecture around whether he should open or come in at 3. Will need to lift for the Ashes.

Marnus Labuschagne:

• 38 runs @38. HS 38. 0 wickets 76 runs

• 4/10

Very surprising selection at no. 3 for the final Test and dug in for 38 whilst other more accomplished batsmen fell around him. Was picked as a spinning all-rounder but was awful with the ball, bowling flightless leg spinners that failed to trouble the Indians. Appears to be more of a in between option before Smith and Warner return.

Shaun Marsh:

• 183 runs @26.1. HS 60

• 4/10

Didn’t get the job done when it counted. Failed to convert a total of 3 40+ scores. May get one final chance to post a big score in Brisbane against the Sri Lankans.

Travis Head:

• 237 runs @33.8. HS 72

• 5/10

Another that failed to convert multiple starts. Look great a various stages but yet to prove he is up to Test standard after questionable shot selection at times. Should hold his spot in squad for now.

Peter Handscomb:

• 105 runs @21. HS 37

• 2/10

Failed to fire at any stage. Huge question marks over questionable technique of batting deep in his crease and preferring to play off his back foot. Was dropped for the MCG Test and then was a startling recall for the final Test at Sydney. Opposition attacks seem to have his measure and may have to go back to Shield cricket to rediscover himself.

Mitch Marsh:

• 19 runs @9.5. HS 10. 0 wickets.

• 2/10

Was recalled to the side for a single Test at the MCG and once again failed to take his opportunity, providing nothing with the ball or the bat. Ashes hopes look done and dusted.

Tim Paine:

• 174 runs @24.8. HS 41. 16 catches 0 stumpings.

• 5/10

Was all class behind the stumps, only dropping one difficult opportunity all series. Provided resistance with the tail regularly throughout the series but failed to convert for a big score with the bat. Failed to change any games with bold field settings or strategies. Was the master of distraction with humorous banter behind the stumps and in press conferences. Desperately needs a win in series against Sri Lanka to avoid a winless legacy.

Pat Cummins:

• 14 wickets @22.7 BB 6-27. 163 runs @23.2

• 8/10

Easily the losing sides player of the series. Kept his domination of Virat Kohli and often looked like Australia’s best batsman.

Mitch Starc:

• 13 wickets @34.5. BB 3-40

• 5/10

A disappointing series for Australia’s strike bowler. Consistently took wickets but we didn’t see he’s usual fiery spells that produced 3-4 wickets and struck fear into opposition batsman.

Nathan Lyon:

• 21 wickets @30.4 BB 6-122

• 7/10

Began the series on fire in Adelaide and Perth but fizzled out in Melbourne and Sydney. That being said he still finished equal leading wicket taker for the series. Still the goat.

Josh Hazlewood:

• 13 wickets @30.6. BB 3-52.

• 5/10

Was a little disappointing and inconsistent at times. The one Aussie quick whose spot may be under jeopardy.

India-

Mayank Agarwal:

• 195 runs @65. HS 77.

• 8/10

Came into the side for the final two Tests with the job of foiling India’s weakness at the top of the order. Whilst he didn’t convert for a big ton, he laid of solid foundation opening scoring 2 50’s.

Lokesh Rahul:

• 57 runs @11.2

• 2/10

Failed to make an impact on the series. Was lucky to be recalled for the final Test after being dropped for Melbourne.

Cheteshwar Pujara:

• 521 runs @74.4

• 10/10

Without a doubt the player of the series. 3 big tons in 3 of the 4 Tests which was highlighted by a stubborn as ever 193 at Sydney.

Virat Kohli:

• 282 runs @40.2

• 7/10

Far from his best series from an individual perspective but was sensational as captain and managed to stand up when it counted with a big century when his team was down at Perth.

Ajinkya Rahane:

• 217 runs @31

• 5/10

Failed to get going at any stage. Was trialled at opener and in the middle order but 51 at Perth was the best he could manage.

Hanuma Vihari:

• 111 runs @22.2. 2 wickets @47

• 4/10

Didn’t play a huge role with either bat or ball but had his moments at times. Highlights were 2-53 at Perth and 42 with the bat at Sydney.

Risabh Pant:

• 350 runs @58.3

• 8/10

Up and coming wicketkeeper not just for India but for world cricket. Did his job behind the stumps and played some great innings with the bat. Has all the gears.

Ravindra Jadeja:

• 90 runs @30. 7 wickets @28.5

• 7/10

Came in for the final two Tests and was extremely dangerous with the ball. Played an exciting innings of 82 at Sydney.

Mohammed Shami:

• 14 wickets @25.7

• 8/10

Bowled sensationally throughout the series. Had the knack of finding an extra yard a pace for important spells. 6-56 at Perth was his best performance. Error, group does not exist! Check your syntax! (ID: 1)

Jasprit Bumrah:

• 21 wickets @17

• 9/10

The bowler of the series. The Australian batsman failed to pick up deliveries released from his unusual action. Has the potential to develop into one of the best fast bowlers in the world.

Ishant Sharma:

• 11 wickets @23.8

• 7/10

Played his role. Was particularly effective with the new ball and when short pitched bowling was required. Evidence he may be slipping down the fast bowling pecking order when he was dropped for the final Test for an extra spinner.