Aussie hero’s perfect 10, keeper stuns greats as biggest selection gamble pays off: Second Ashes Test Player Ratings

Australia has taken a 2-0 series lead in the Ashes after returning seamer Michael Neser ruined any chance of a miraculous England comeback on day four of the pink-ball Test at the Gabba.

After captain Ben Stokes and all-rounder Will Jacks added 96 in a gritty seventh-wicket partnership on Sunday afternoon, the Queenslander ripped through the England lower-order to seal a five-wicket haul and put the hosts within touching distance of victory.

Chasing a modest 65-run target of victory, the Australians got the job done in ten overs to secure a eight-wicket win.

The third Ashes Test between Australia and England gets underway at Adelaide Oval on December 17.

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TRAVIS HEAD – 6

33 and 22

After being gifted an extra life on 4 courtesy of Jamie Smith’s sloppy glovework, Head switched gears on Friday afternoon and launched into a trademark counterpunch, getting Australia’s first innings off a flying start. Chasing quick runs on day four, he chopped on during the brief run chase, falling victim to Gus Atkinson.

However, it remains to be seen whether he keeps his spot at the top of the order or returns to the middle order when veteran opener Usman Khawaja recovers from his back injury.

JAKE WEATHERALD – 8

72 and 16*

Weatherald has proven he belongs at Test level with a career-best performance on day two at the Gabba, a swashbuckling knock that showed he could be David Warner’s spiritual successor at the top of the order. He also navigated the Australians towards an awkward target under floodlights during the second innings.

However, the Tasmanian still looks vulnerable to full deliveries directed at the stumps, with England speedster knocking him over twice in that fashion this series already.

MARNUS LABUSCHAGNE – 7

65 and 3

Labuschagne’s impressive return to the Test arena continues, with the Queenslander posting his second-straight fifty on day two to become the first cricketer with 1000 runs in pink-ball Tests.

However, the right-hander’s dismissal came from an attempted guide through third man, a stroke that has proven his downfall on many occasions over the past 24 months. He also held onto an excellent outfield catch on Friday morning to wrap up England’s first innings.

STEVE SMITH – 8

61 and 23*

Donning black strips on his cheekbones, the Chanderpaul-inspired look seemingly worked for Smith, who produced an assortment of glorious strokes during his half-century on day two, but he fell into the bouncer trap during the evening session to open the door for England.

The New South Welshman then produced a entertaining nine-ball blitz on Sunday evening to seal Australia’s victory, including a confrontation with rival Jofra Archer.

His reviews throughout the match were excellent, notably the dismissals of Joe Root and Harry Brook on Saturday evening, while he took a stunning one-handed catch the following morning.

CAMERON GREEN – 5

45, 0-43 and 0-15

Green was looking in fine touch at the Gabba on Friday before a horrendous dismissal during the evening session, backing away from England seamer Brydon Carse and bowled by a well-directed yorker. He was almost standing off the pitch when the pegs were dislodged.

Elsewhere, the West Australian was ineffective with the ball on day one, conceding 5.38 runs per over.

ALEX CAREY – 9

63, seven catches

Carey was showered with praise for his glovework on day one at the Gabba, and rightfully so.

The South Australian kept up to the stumps for Australian seamers Scott Boland and Michael Neser, almost manufacturing the stumping of Harry Brook, before he sprinted 20 metres to take an epic lunging catch in the outfield.

He also added crucial runs during Australia’s first innings, albeit after being handed a reprieve on 0 and 25.

JOSH INGLIS – 5

23

The undisputed highlight of Inglis’ Test return was his run-out on Thursday, a direct hit from side-on that sent rival captain Ben Stokes back to the sheds for 19.

Batting down at No. 7, the West Australian got off to a scratchy start in the first innings before Stokes got his revenge, bowling the right-hander with a peach that nipped through the gate.

MICHAEL NESER – 9

1-43 and 5-41

Playing his first Test match in more than three years, Neser nailed his chance in the national side and sealed a maiden five-wicket haul in the second innings.

With his nibbly seamers, the Queenslander tore the heart out of England’s top order on day three, snatching a pair of caught-and-bowled chances to remove Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope, before ripping through the tail the following morning.

MITCHELL STARC – 10

6-75 and 2-64

No notes. This is Starc’s summer.

Six-fa in the first innings, top-scoring with the bat, removing Joe Root on day three.

In the absence of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, he led Australia’s bowling attack while making England’s batters look amateurish.

What a legend.

SCOTT BOLAND – 8

1-87 and 2-47

Although he was expensive throughout the first innings, Boland was at the peak of his powers under floodlights on Saturday evening, removing Ben Duckett and Harry Brook in a probing spell that put Australia on the verge of victory.

The Victorian also combined with Starc for a 75-run partnership on day three to frustrate England’s bowling, contributing a career-best 21 not out.

BRENDAN DOGGETT – 5

1-81 and 1-56

An underwhelming second outing for Doggett, who struggled for rhythm as Australia’s bumper enforcer, a role he’s unfamiliar with.

He bowled considerably better during the second innings, but both of his wickets came from bouncers that were caught in the outfield.

The 31-year-old is at risk of losing his spot if wounded captain Pat Cummins returns to the starting XI next week.