Ashes first Test: England and Australia player ratings from Perth

In the opening Ashes Test in Perth, Australia’s pace attack dominated and England’s top order struggled. Here is INLIBER News’ breakdown of the player ratings from both sides for English readers.

England

Zak Crawley – 1

Crawley faced extremely difficult conditions and fought for just 11 balls, becoming the fourth England opener in Ashes history to be dismissed so quickly in Australia.

Ben Duckett – 5

Showed promise with starts in both innings but fell short at crucial moments as England slipped on Saturday.

Ollie Pope – 6

Technically tidy and progressing; the early Tests often suit Pope, and England will be hoping he pushes on.

Joe Root – 1

Way off the form that delivered big hundreds in Australia; England need Root to anchor the innings as the series unfolds.

Harry Brook – 5

Half-century in the first innings was useful but his second-innings dismissal highlighted England’s issues.

Ben Stokes – 6

Returned with a five-wicket haul, yet his batting rhythm wasn’t fully there and England’s fielding pressure eased for Head’s counter-attack.

Jamie Smith – 4

Could have changed the course of the game with smarter shot selection; England will rely on him to cope with more short bowling in the series.

Gus Atkinson – 5

Part of England’s solid first-innings bowling and offered resistance with the bat in the second; the attack faded late on.

Brydon Carse – 5

Similar to Atkinson, with the added challenge of facing Head’s onslaught.

Jofra Archer – 5

Excellent with the ball in the first innings and the pick of a pedestrian second spell; still has impact left in the series.

Mark Wood – 5

Wicketless, but his return to England’s pace attack underlined his enduring impact after a long lay-off.

Australia

Jake Weatherald – 6

Debutant who was unlucky to be dismissed to Archer early, then contributed to a breathtaking run chase later in the match.

Usman Khawaja – 3

Mixed fortunes in a quirky Test; looked short of fitness at times, though he did cling to key slips catches and opened the door for Head to bat as an opener.

Marnus Labuschagne – 7

Back in the side with a steadying influence under pressure, he supported Head in the second innings after weathering England’s early discipline.

Steve Smith – 5

Struggled for timing in the first innings and faced questions after some pre-match controversy; will seek a stronger rhythm ahead.

Travis Head – 9

Deserved to be rated higher, with a second-innings hundred that showcased composure under pressure; his all-round contribution was pivotal.

Cameron Green – 5

Opened the bowling with impact, removing Pope, but was unsettled by a rising bouncer and didn’t feature as prominently later in the match.

Alex Carey – 5

Looked to counter-attack in the first evening and was solid behind the stumps throughout.

Mitchell Starc – 9

Carried the attack in the absence of Cummins and Hazlewood, delivering Australia’s first Ashes 10-wicket haul in two decades and setting the tone for the win.

Scott Boland – 6

Not at his best in the first innings but lifted in the second to help trigger England’s late collapse.

Brendan Doggett – 6

Solid debut showing; a capable stand‑in with pace and discipline for Australia’s pace heavy plan.

Nathan Lyon – 2

Predominantly a spectator as pace dominated; picked up an injury after being struck by Mark Wood.

Key takeaway: Australia’s pace-led attack stamped its authority in Perth, while England’s top order and early order face a stern test ahead. Source: BBC Sport

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