The Roar runs the ruler over the Australian players after the successful third Test at the WACA in Perth; a stunning turnaround to square a gripping series against England.
Australia Player Ratings:
Phil Hughes: 1 Picked on reputation alone, but went on to demonstrate the lack of form he has shown this year. His unorthodox style plunders when it works, looks just amateur and awful when it doesn’t. A problem for the selectors.
Shane Watson: 7 Top order glue for the Aussies. In great nick with powerful stroke-play, especially his drive. Failed with the rest of the top order in the first, but in the second finally went on with an innings beyond the standard 50 he seems to manage each start. Prefer he didn’t carry on like a pork chop after given out lbw (correctly). Wasn’t required to bowl in either innings.
Ricky Ponting: 2 Out cheaply both digs caught leg, but a stunning win and a fractured little finger for the Captain helps him avoid the uncomfortable glare of the spotlight. In early against the new ball isn’t helping Punter, but his spot at No 3 must be becoming tenuous. Less vitamins, more grit required.
Michael Clarke: 2 In a similar batting struggle along with Ponting. The win also helps Clarke, who will get another chance in Melbourne, but the vice-captain gave away his wicket prodding weakly and then playing with an angled bat; suicide at the WACA. May have to step up as Captain if Ponting isn’t a starter on Boxing Day, which must anguish the selectors.
Michael Hussey: 8 In rare form. Must surely be in line to rise from Mr. Cricket to Dr. Cricket. Indeed, should this run of magic form for Hussey continue, he might well find himself as Sir Cricket. Wonderful display from Hussey with a solid first dig and then a rousing century in the second innings.
Steve Smith: 5 Was at a loose end with his leg-spin not required, and batted above Haddin who is in good touch. Rode his luck for 36 in the second innings, but he seems to add a sparks to the dressing rooms. Looked to do just enough to go on to the Melbourne Test.
Brad Haddin: 6 First knock of 53 in partnership with Hussey probably turned the game as it gave the bowlers some room to be aggressive. Averaging higher than the first order bar Watson and Hussey. He kept well – but missed a catch between him and Watson when the ‘keeper usually goes for everything. Will be pushing to be moved higher up the order.
Mitchell Johnson: 9 Ominous for England when he blasted 63 in the opening innings, and then took a devastating 6-38 as he smashed England’s top order with some beautiful late in-swingers for three quickfire LBWs. As good as he was bad in the first Test; dropping him at Adelaide clearly worked.
Ryan Harris: 8 Harris looked undeserving in Adelaide as he carried the attack. Received his dues here, with a proud bowling performance in the second innings. Was the line and length partner to Johnson’s aggressive pace, setting up a dangerous pairing badly needed by Australia. Bunny with the bat so can do more.
Peter Siddle: 4 Continued to toil, but the hat-trick spell in Brisbane is now distance, and looks more like an anomaly. Short stuff was aggressive, but didn’t do enough to look like taking more than the odd wicket. Batted well to really contribute something to the win, but that will be a side note rather than a reason to keep picking him. Seems to enjoy being the enforcer, but needs to pick up a bag to have England scared.
Ben Hilfenhaus: 5 Wasn’t explosive on his return to the side, unlike Johnson, but continued to bowl without luck. More consistent than Siddle, but needs the new ball to swing which is when he looks really dangerous. Two wickets in two matches isn’t a haul to be proud of, but he also doesn’t give runs away. Needs his luck to turn, or he’ll be old Beer when the selectors need a spinner.
How did you rate the Australian players?
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