Ashes 2019, first Test: Player Ratings

Australia

Smith scored brilliant hundreds in both innings at Edgbaston

Cameron Bancroft- 3

A return to international cricket for Bancroft following the sandpaper scandal, and not a very successful one. Looked uncomfortable in both innings, and two single digit scores will have done little to hold down his place in the side, with Marcus Harris waiting in the wings.

David Warner- 3

The first Test for Warner since he returned from his year ban, and much like his opening partner, it didn’t go particularly well. He scored just 10 runs across his two innings, and Stuart Broad was absolutely all over him on both occasions. It’s going to take a big effort from Warner to deal with Broad for the rest of the series.

Usman Khawaja- 5

Solid, but unspectacular from Khawaja. His 40 in the second innings was crucial to help Australia see off the new ball. He will need to find a way of playing the swinging ball early in his innings if he is to go on to make big scores, but he will be an important player for Australia in this series.

Steve Smith- 10

Without a doubt the star of the show. More than a year out of Test cricket, but it never looked like he had been away. Steven Smith made hundreds in both innings, helping Australia out of a hole in the first innings when they were 122-8. England had no answer to him, and it could be a long series for them if Smith keeps batting like this.

Travis Head- 6

Found his feet in the first innings but failed to go on and make a big score. However, he made up for that in the second innings by making 50 and providing vital support for Smith. An important innings for him personally, with the likes of Mitchell Marsh waiting for a spot in the side.

Matthew Wade- 7

Wade has been in excellent form playing for Australia A in the last couple of months, and he brought that form to the game at Edgbaston. Looked all at sea against the swinging ball in the first innings, but seemed much more confident in the second innings, as he bought up his third Test century.

Tim Paine- 4

Despite being captain, he may be the weak link in this Australia batting line-up. Dismissed for just 5 in the first innings playing a terrible shot to a well set up delivery from Broad, and failed to convert a start in the second innings. Even his captaincy wasn’t at its best at times, with Steve Smith appearing to takeover at some points.

James Pattinson- 7

Despite only taking two wickets, Pattinson was Australia’s most threatening seamer in the first innings, and didn’t get the rewards that he deserved. Also found a bit of form with the bat, scoring a quickfire 47 in the second innings that helped Australia to declare.

Pat Cummins- 7

A fine display by Cummins was on show, as his pace troubled England which saw him pick up three wickets in the first innings, and four in the second, that also saw him reach the 100 Test wickets landmark in the process. If he can keep himself fit, which has been a massive challenge in his career so far, he will be a vital weapon for the rest of the series.

Peter Siddle- 7

Looked every inch his usual self as he bustled in whenever his captain wanted him to. Also played a vital role with the bat in the first innings, scoring 44 as he helped Smith take Australia to a respectable score. We may not see him at Lord’s though, with Mitchell Starc rested for the first game.

Nathan Lyon- 9

While Moeen Ali failed to make the most of the spinning pitch on day four and five at Edgbaston, Nathan Lyon certainly did. Having taken three wickets in the first innings, he ran through the English order in the second, picking up six wickets, including his 350th in Test cricket as he single-handedly demolished England's batting unit.