Ashes 2021-22: Player ratings for Australia’s ruthless rout of England

ENGLAND

Jimmy Anderson His final Ashes series in Australia (surely) was bookended from the sidelines. In his three Tests, he was typically parsimonious but only at his barn-storming best at Melbourne. Blocked out that final over at Sydney. 6

Jonny Bairstow Grabbed his chance, scoring England’s one century of the tour: a gloriously brave and bombastic innings at Sydney. Batted well in the second innings as well to haul England to a draw. 7

Sam Billings The road-trip king and a breath of fresh air. Kept tidily, tiggerishly enthusiastic behind the stumps and made a jaunty 29 in the first innings at Hobart. 5

Stuart Broad Controversially wore the fluorescent bib during the first Test when David Warner scored 94, and at Melbourne. Tireless with the ball in hand and endlessly enthusiastic, if vocal at his frustration with the batting. 7

Rory Burns Posted the highest opening partnership of the tour with Zak Crawley in the final innings, but has little else to cling onto. Torpedoed with the first ball of the series. 2

Jos Buttler Nearly batted England to safety at Adelaide, and took some great catches (though dropped a few sitters). But found increasingly ludicrous ways of getting out. Injury was a sad end to his tour, and possibly his Test career. 4

Zak Crawley Looks a million dollars on song and has gumption. The weaknesses outside off stump remain but a long-term spot is his if he can just learn to be more circumspect. 5

Haseeb Hameed Ran his heart out in the field but, by the end, seemed to have largely forgotten how to score runs. Back to Trent Bridge to lick his wounds and (hopefully) come again. 2

Jack Leach Seems destined to be chronically mishandled by this England setup. Picked for the wrong game and left out for the