Every Australian player rated in MCG defeat
BREAKING: Australia has suffered a stunning defeat in the Boxing Day Test against England, falling short in just two days at the MCG. This chaotic match has sent shockwaves through the cricket community, as every player’s performance is now under scrutiny.
The loss marks a critical moment in the Ashes series, putting immense pressure on Australia’s batters after a dismal showing. In this urgent analysis, cricket writer Jackson Barrett has rated each Australian player out of 10 based on their impact in Melbourne.
Michael Neser stood out with a rating of 6. He made a crucial contribution with the bat, scoring 35 in a pivotal 50-run partnership with Cam Green. Neser also claimed 4 wickets for 45 runs, taking down key players like Joe Root and Ben Stokes, making him the top performer before stumps.
In contrast, Mitchell Starc also received a 6 after removing both English openers and Duckett in the second innings. However, he faced a tough challenge as England’s batters targeted him during their chase.
The crowd favorite, Scott Boland, was rated 6 after a commendable 3 for 30 in England’s first innings, bolstering his reputation at the MCG.
Meanwhile, wicketkeeper Alex Carey earned a 6 for his defensive prowess and a score of 20 on the first day, though his second innings was cut short at 4. His presence behind the stumps disrupted England’s batting strategy.
Captain Steve Smith scored 24 in the second innings but received a 5 for questionable decisions under pressure. He faced criticism for taking singles at crucial moments, which hindered Australia’s scoring potential.
Fast bowler Jhye Richardson returned after a four-year hiatus, earning a rating of 5. He took two wickets, including a key lbw against Joe Root, showcasing his resilience despite not setting the field ablaze.
In stark contrast, Usman Khawaja and Cam Green rated lower at 4 and 3, respectively. Khawaja’s second-ball duck in the second innings raises concerns about his selection for the upcoming matches. Green’s dismissals have left him vulnerable in the lineup, with only 17 and 19 across both innings.
Newcomer Jake Weatherald received a disappointing 2 after failing to make an impact, as did Marnus Labuschagne, who has been struggling with a century drought, scoring just 6 and 8 in this Test.
As Australia faces the fallout from this disastrous performance, cricket fans are left wondering about the future of the team and key players. The next match in the Ashes series will be crucial for the Australian squad to bounce back and regain their footing.
Stay tuned for further developments as the series unfolds. The pressure is on for Australia to deliver in the upcoming matches.
