The dust has settled on one of the most dramatic Ashes series in recent memory, with Australia retaining the urn but England fighting back to level the series 2-2. After five gripping Tests, the final player ratings provide a clear picture of who stood tall under pressure and who fell short.
Australian Ratings: Captain Cummins Leads from the Front
The Australian side was led superbly by its captain, Pat Cummins. He not only marshalled his team with tactical nous but was also the series' leading wicket-taker with 23 scalps at an average of 24.56. His match-winning performances at Edgbaston and Lord's were pivotal in Australia securing the urn early.
Usman Khawaja was the rock at the top of the order, amassing a staggering 496 runs to be Australia's leading run-scorer. His resilience, particularly in the first two Tests, set crucial platforms. Mitchell Starc proved his worth after an initial omission, finishing with 23 wickets and providing vital, aggressive spells.
However, the series exposed some vulnerabilities. David Warner struggled once more against Stuart Broad, managing only 285 runs. All-rounder Cameron Green had a quiet series with both bat and ball, failing to deliver a defining performance. Wicketkeeper Alex Carey's batting form dipped sharply after his controversial stumping of Jonny Bairstow at Lord's.
England's Fightback: Woakes and Wood Inspire Dramatic Draw
For England, the comeback was spearheaded by two players introduced after the Lord's Test. Chris Woakes was simply outstanding, claiming 19 wickets in just three matches and contributing vital lower-order runs. His player-of-the-series award was richly deserved.
Similarly, the raw pace of Mark Wood electrified the series. He took 14 wickets at a blistering speed and his innings at Headingley, including a 24-ball 40, swung momentum. Veteran seamer Stuart Broad bowed out of cricket in fairytale fashion, taking the final two wickets to seal the Oval Test and finish with 22 series wickets.
England's 'Bazball' approach had mixed results. Zak Crawley was a consistent force, topping England's run charts with 480, including a majestic 189 at Manchester. Yet, key batsmen like Joe Root and Ben Stokes, while producing moments of genius, lacked the consistent weight of runs needed.
The Final Verdict: A Series of Twists and Turns
The final 2-2 scoreline is a fair reflection of a series that ebbed and flowed dramatically. Australia did what they needed to do, winning the key moments in the first two Tests to retain the Ashes. England's relentless, aggressive style ultimately wore down the visitors and secured a memorable comeback.
The player ratings highlight that for Australia, the traditional strengths of Cummins, Khawaja, and Starc were paramount. For England, their depth and ability to call upon impact players like Woakes and Wood in crisis moments proved decisive. The series leaves both teams with questions, but also with unforgettable memories from a truly blockbuster contest.
