Post by TC Ink on Jun 19, 2008 18:01:31 GMT 10
8
Simon Katich
Returned to the Test team for the first time since 2005 and, after some nerves in Kingston, turned in a dream comeback with centuries in Antigua and Barbados. Was asked to open in the absence of Matthew Hayden and looked comfortable against the new ball, scoring heavily through the leg side and finishing the tour with 319 Test runs at 63.80. Is likely to be dropped when Australia play their next Test if, as expected, Hayden returns from injury.
Brett Lee
Following two Player of the Series performances against Sri Lanka and India, he was again Australia's leading wicket-taker and most consistent bowler. Was fast and fiery in Antigua, where he got eight wickets, and made several important strikes in the two victories. Pushed himself to the limit and was clearly exhausted on several occasions but finished the series with 18 wickets at 23.72.
7.5
Andrew Symonds
Rescued Australia after a couple of awkward top-order wobbles, notably in the second innings at Kingston, where he first steadied, then counterattacked, with a 79 that was essentially a match-winning contribution. He benefited, not for the first time in the past 12 months, from some incorrect umpiring decisions and topped Australia's averages with 264 runs at 66.
Ricky Ponting
Set up the victory in Kingston with a superb 158 on a pitch that was playing tricks and finished the series as Australia's leading scorer with 323 runs at 53.83 after adding a half-century in Antigua. As captain, felt some serious pressure at times during the tour but guided his team through for the 2-0 triumph.
Stuart Clark
Was almost singlehandedly responsible for Australia getting over the line on the final day in Jamaica, when he swung and seamed the ball in both directions and grabbed a career-best 5 for 32, taking his match tally to eight wickets. After a quieter time in Antigua, he contributed to the Barbados win with two fifth-day strikes, including the key wicket of Shivnarine Chanderpaul.
7
Michael Clarke
Missed the first Test due to family reasons but made an impact on arrival, striking 110 in Antigua to help set up a big first-innings total. Enjoyed the vice-captaincy and was clearly a leader in the group, often advising the newer players on the field. Retained his uncanny partnership-breaking abilities with the ball and his four wickets for the series all came at important times.
6.5
Phil Jaques
Was badly out of sorts at the start of the series and caused himself problems by walking too far across his stumps and becoming vulnerable to lbws. Gradually came good with a half-century in Antigua and 108 in a double-century opening stand with Katich in Barbados. Took two excellent catches in the second innings at Kensington Oval that helped Australia secure victory and confirmed he is making the short leg position his own.
6
Brad Haddin
Made a solid if not spectacular start to his long-awaited Test career. His primary job, behind the stumps, was generally performed cleanly, although there were a couple of dropped chances that he will want to eliminate to keep Luke Ronchi at bay. Did not make a half-century but his batting was sound, and he figured in four handy partnerships when West Indies thought they were breaking into Australia's lower order.
Brad Hodge
Was unexpectedly thrust into the side in Kingston when Hayden missed out through injury. Quickly readjusted to Test cricket - his last match was in January 2006 - and his 67 and 27 were important contributions in the opening victory. Fell both times to excellent Denesh Ramdin catches and, after Jamaica, was required only as a substitute fielder.
5
Michael Hussey
The Bradmanesque average is slipping rapidly. Managed 137 runs at 22.83 and his only half-century came in the first innings of the first Test. That 56 was an important effort, though, as the openers had failed and Ponting needed someone to help in the recovery. Looked most settled when promoted to open in the second innings in Antigua but his usual precision placement was lacking and hitting in the air has become a slight weakness.
4.5
Beau Casson
Did not quite do enough to confirm him as Australia's permanent Test spinner but showed sufficient promise in collecting three second-innings wickets on debut. Recovered from a Dwayne Bravo belting to remove the batsman at an important time in the third Test and was not bullied into a more defensive approach.
4
Mitchell Johnson
After his promising displays during Australia's home summer, this was the sort of series Johnson didn't want to have. Wildly inaccurate at times, he was stripped of the new-ball duties and was barely threatening during the first two Tests. Began to rescue his reputation with one good spell in Barbados, finding extra pace and bounce to clean up West Indies' lower order, and finished with a Test-best 4 for 41.
3
Stuart MacGill
Deserves to be remembered for his outstanding Test career, not his miserable finale in the Caribbean. Made the bold decision to retire mid-series when he realised his bowling was not up to Test standard. Delivered numerous long hops and full tosses but showed occasional glimpses of his best, as when he lured Ramnaresh Sarwan forward with a venomous legbreak that was edged to slip in Antigua.
Simon Katich
Returned to the Test team for the first time since 2005 and, after some nerves in Kingston, turned in a dream comeback with centuries in Antigua and Barbados. Was asked to open in the absence of Matthew Hayden and looked comfortable against the new ball, scoring heavily through the leg side and finishing the tour with 319 Test runs at 63.80. Is likely to be dropped when Australia play their next Test if, as expected, Hayden returns from injury.
Brett Lee
Following two Player of the Series performances against Sri Lanka and India, he was again Australia's leading wicket-taker and most consistent bowler. Was fast and fiery in Antigua, where he got eight wickets, and made several important strikes in the two victories. Pushed himself to the limit and was clearly exhausted on several occasions but finished the series with 18 wickets at 23.72.
7.5
Andrew Symonds
Rescued Australia after a couple of awkward top-order wobbles, notably in the second innings at Kingston, where he first steadied, then counterattacked, with a 79 that was essentially a match-winning contribution. He benefited, not for the first time in the past 12 months, from some incorrect umpiring decisions and topped Australia's averages with 264 runs at 66.
Ricky Ponting
Set up the victory in Kingston with a superb 158 on a pitch that was playing tricks and finished the series as Australia's leading scorer with 323 runs at 53.83 after adding a half-century in Antigua. As captain, felt some serious pressure at times during the tour but guided his team through for the 2-0 triumph.
Stuart Clark
Was almost singlehandedly responsible for Australia getting over the line on the final day in Jamaica, when he swung and seamed the ball in both directions and grabbed a career-best 5 for 32, taking his match tally to eight wickets. After a quieter time in Antigua, he contributed to the Barbados win with two fifth-day strikes, including the key wicket of Shivnarine Chanderpaul.
7
Michael Clarke
Missed the first Test due to family reasons but made an impact on arrival, striking 110 in Antigua to help set up a big first-innings total. Enjoyed the vice-captaincy and was clearly a leader in the group, often advising the newer players on the field. Retained his uncanny partnership-breaking abilities with the ball and his four wickets for the series all came at important times.
6.5
Phil Jaques
Was badly out of sorts at the start of the series and caused himself problems by walking too far across his stumps and becoming vulnerable to lbws. Gradually came good with a half-century in Antigua and 108 in a double-century opening stand with Katich in Barbados. Took two excellent catches in the second innings at Kensington Oval that helped Australia secure victory and confirmed he is making the short leg position his own.
6
Brad Haddin
Made a solid if not spectacular start to his long-awaited Test career. His primary job, behind the stumps, was generally performed cleanly, although there were a couple of dropped chances that he will want to eliminate to keep Luke Ronchi at bay. Did not make a half-century but his batting was sound, and he figured in four handy partnerships when West Indies thought they were breaking into Australia's lower order.
Brad Hodge
Was unexpectedly thrust into the side in Kingston when Hayden missed out through injury. Quickly readjusted to Test cricket - his last match was in January 2006 - and his 67 and 27 were important contributions in the opening victory. Fell both times to excellent Denesh Ramdin catches and, after Jamaica, was required only as a substitute fielder.
5
Michael Hussey
The Bradmanesque average is slipping rapidly. Managed 137 runs at 22.83 and his only half-century came in the first innings of the first Test. That 56 was an important effort, though, as the openers had failed and Ponting needed someone to help in the recovery. Looked most settled when promoted to open in the second innings in Antigua but his usual precision placement was lacking and hitting in the air has become a slight weakness.
4.5
Beau Casson
Did not quite do enough to confirm him as Australia's permanent Test spinner but showed sufficient promise in collecting three second-innings wickets on debut. Recovered from a Dwayne Bravo belting to remove the batsman at an important time in the third Test and was not bullied into a more defensive approach.
4
Mitchell Johnson
After his promising displays during Australia's home summer, this was the sort of series Johnson didn't want to have. Wildly inaccurate at times, he was stripped of the new-ball duties and was barely threatening during the first two Tests. Began to rescue his reputation with one good spell in Barbados, finding extra pace and bounce to clean up West Indies' lower order, and finished with a Test-best 4 for 41.
3
Stuart MacGill
Deserves to be remembered for his outstanding Test career, not his miserable finale in the Caribbean. Made the bold decision to retire mid-series when he realised his bowling was not up to Test standard. Delivered numerous long hops and full tosses but showed occasional glimpses of his best, as when he lured Ramnaresh Sarwan forward with a venomous legbreak that was edged to slip in Antigua.
Agree with most of those ratings. Perhaps Jaques a little higher. Perhaps Hussey a little lower. Hussey had just as bad a series as Johnson, they deserve the same rating.
9
Shivnarine Chanderpaul
The Player of the Series, and deservedly so. Chanderpaul was figuratively immovable for much of the series with a string of not-out scores and from the start of his 107 in Antigua to the end of his 50 in Barbados, he batted for more than 18 hours without being dismissed. He was also literally immovable in Jamaica, when a Brett Lee bouncer crashed into his helmet and left him out cold for several minutes before he carried on batting and registered a courageous century. Comfortably the leading scorer for the series, he made 442 runs at 147.33.
7.5
Fidel Edwards
West Indies' leading wicket taker with 15 at 25.13, he bowled fast and with dangerous late swing. Was at his best carrying the attack in Jamaica, when his eight wickets for the match gave West Indies hope. Enjoyed a series-long rivalry with Lee, whom he struck on the helmet a couple of times with vicious bouncers.
Dwayne Bravo
Continues to frustrate West Indies fans with promising batting starts, only to fall when he appears to be set, as in Barbados when his brutal second-innings 69 gave his team hope of a record chase. His up-and-down series included innings of 46, 0, 45, 1, 29 and 69, but the lack of a century was disappointing for the No. 6. His medium-pace bowling looked innocuous but he had a habit of making handy breakthroughs and his ten wickets at 37.10 was an impressive result.
7
Ramnaresh Sarwan
Captain for the first two Tests, Sarwan's only major batting contributions came in Antigua. But they were particularly important; his first-innings 65 kept West Indies in touch and his outstanding second-innings 128 ensured the match would be saved, which was a great result after they had some top-order stumbles. He finished the series with 275 runs at 45.83, a decent effort after he looked out of sorts in Jamaica.
Xavier Marshall
Was surprisingly thrust into the team in Antigua after three years off the international scene, and boasting no first-class centuries. Immediately displayed his promise with a confident 53 that ended with a brain-freeze leave to a straight ball, and was even more impressive with his first-class best 85 in Barbados. Not backward at coming forward, he drove superbly, took several blows to the helmet and thrived on his mini-battles with Lee. Certainly a player to watch.
6
Jerome Taylor
Missed the first Test with a back problem and as soon as he returned in Antigua showed his value with five wickets for the match. Was West Indies' second-most threatening fast bowler but would be disappointed that he didn't make his breakthroughs earlier, before the batsmen had made contributions.
Denesh Ramdin
His glovework was strong and a series of diving catches was excellent reward after long hours of training with the assistant coach and former wicketkeeper David Williams. His batting was often underwhelming, although a second-innings 36 in Jamaica gave Australia some concerns and his unbeaten 21 in Antigua helped West Indies salvage a draw.
5.5
Sulieman Benn
Was only included in Barbados for his second Test and showed some promise with three second-innings wickets that came in a marathon spell. He bowled 47 overs in that innings and was unlucky not to have more breakthroughs. Used his extreme height to gain sharp bounce, flighted the ball beautifully and turned it venomously away from the right-handers from around the wicket.
5
Runako Morton
Began the series strongly, with a patient and mature 67 in the first innings in Kingston as he proved a solid ally for Chanderpaul. After that innings his judgement was poor and he played some terrible shots at times when West Indies needed him to be steady, and he was axed for Barbados. Was one of their most brilliant fielders and a cracking reflex catch at short extra cover at Sabina Park was memorable.
4.5
Darren Sammy
Was a useful bits-and-pieces player but struggled to make a major contribution in his two appearances. Picked up three wickets for the series and his second-innings 35 at Sabina Park displayed impressive maturity as he and Ramdin tried to rebuild the chase of 287 and gave Australia some nervous moments.
4
Daren Powell
Managed to hold down the new-ball duties despite being clearly the least penetrating of West Indies' fast men. Finished the series with six wickets at 61, continuing his disappointing run in Tests. His only really dangerous spell came in the second innings in Kingston, where he grabbed three top-order wickets as Australia crumbled to 18 for 5.
3.5
Chris Gayle
Missed the first two Tests with a groin injury and was still not 100% when he returned in Barbados. Threw the bat wildly and was twice out to loose shots, ran gingerly between the wickets and struggled to inspire his team in the field in the second innings when Phil Jaques and Simon Katich batted West Indies out of the match.
Devon Smith
Was pushed back up to open after batting at No. 6 against Sri Lanka and despite getting starts in both innings at Sabina Park, rarely looked completely at ease. Failed again in Antigua, extending his long run of disappointing form in Tests, and was axed for the third match.
3
Sewnarine Chattergoon
Was initially unavailable with a shoulder injury and when he did come in for the final Test, wrenched his ankle in the field sliding to stop a boundary. Made no real contribution with the bat but bravely hobbled out with a runner in the second innings as West Indies chased a massive total, despite being on crutches the day before.
Brenton Parchment
Looked vulnerable at the top of the order in his only outing. His technique had some problems and he was caught behind off Stuart Clark for low scores in both innings in Jamaica. Was brilliant in the field and his spectacular diving catch to end Ricky Ponting's innings on 158 was one of the lasting images of the tour.
Amit Jaggernauth
Was pounded into oblivion by Andrew Symonds in the second innings of his Test debut in Jamaica and, in a familiar manner for West Indies spinners, was immediately dumped. Picked up just one wicket but it was a memorable one, Michael Hussey brilliantly caught at first slip by Bravo.
Shivnarine Chanderpaul
The Player of the Series, and deservedly so. Chanderpaul was figuratively immovable for much of the series with a string of not-out scores and from the start of his 107 in Antigua to the end of his 50 in Barbados, he batted for more than 18 hours without being dismissed. He was also literally immovable in Jamaica, when a Brett Lee bouncer crashed into his helmet and left him out cold for several minutes before he carried on batting and registered a courageous century. Comfortably the leading scorer for the series, he made 442 runs at 147.33.
7.5
Fidel Edwards
West Indies' leading wicket taker with 15 at 25.13, he bowled fast and with dangerous late swing. Was at his best carrying the attack in Jamaica, when his eight wickets for the match gave West Indies hope. Enjoyed a series-long rivalry with Lee, whom he struck on the helmet a couple of times with vicious bouncers.
Dwayne Bravo
Continues to frustrate West Indies fans with promising batting starts, only to fall when he appears to be set, as in Barbados when his brutal second-innings 69 gave his team hope of a record chase. His up-and-down series included innings of 46, 0, 45, 1, 29 and 69, but the lack of a century was disappointing for the No. 6. His medium-pace bowling looked innocuous but he had a habit of making handy breakthroughs and his ten wickets at 37.10 was an impressive result.
7
Ramnaresh Sarwan
Captain for the first two Tests, Sarwan's only major batting contributions came in Antigua. But they were particularly important; his first-innings 65 kept West Indies in touch and his outstanding second-innings 128 ensured the match would be saved, which was a great result after they had some top-order stumbles. He finished the series with 275 runs at 45.83, a decent effort after he looked out of sorts in Jamaica.
Xavier Marshall
Was surprisingly thrust into the team in Antigua after three years off the international scene, and boasting no first-class centuries. Immediately displayed his promise with a confident 53 that ended with a brain-freeze leave to a straight ball, and was even more impressive with his first-class best 85 in Barbados. Not backward at coming forward, he drove superbly, took several blows to the helmet and thrived on his mini-battles with Lee. Certainly a player to watch.
6
Jerome Taylor
Missed the first Test with a back problem and as soon as he returned in Antigua showed his value with five wickets for the match. Was West Indies' second-most threatening fast bowler but would be disappointed that he didn't make his breakthroughs earlier, before the batsmen had made contributions.
Denesh Ramdin
His glovework was strong and a series of diving catches was excellent reward after long hours of training with the assistant coach and former wicketkeeper David Williams. His batting was often underwhelming, although a second-innings 36 in Jamaica gave Australia some concerns and his unbeaten 21 in Antigua helped West Indies salvage a draw.
5.5
Sulieman Benn
Was only included in Barbados for his second Test and showed some promise with three second-innings wickets that came in a marathon spell. He bowled 47 overs in that innings and was unlucky not to have more breakthroughs. Used his extreme height to gain sharp bounce, flighted the ball beautifully and turned it venomously away from the right-handers from around the wicket.
5
Runako Morton
Began the series strongly, with a patient and mature 67 in the first innings in Kingston as he proved a solid ally for Chanderpaul. After that innings his judgement was poor and he played some terrible shots at times when West Indies needed him to be steady, and he was axed for Barbados. Was one of their most brilliant fielders and a cracking reflex catch at short extra cover at Sabina Park was memorable.
4.5
Darren Sammy
Was a useful bits-and-pieces player but struggled to make a major contribution in his two appearances. Picked up three wickets for the series and his second-innings 35 at Sabina Park displayed impressive maturity as he and Ramdin tried to rebuild the chase of 287 and gave Australia some nervous moments.
4
Daren Powell
Managed to hold down the new-ball duties despite being clearly the least penetrating of West Indies' fast men. Finished the series with six wickets at 61, continuing his disappointing run in Tests. His only really dangerous spell came in the second innings in Kingston, where he grabbed three top-order wickets as Australia crumbled to 18 for 5.
3.5
Chris Gayle
Missed the first two Tests with a groin injury and was still not 100% when he returned in Barbados. Threw the bat wildly and was twice out to loose shots, ran gingerly between the wickets and struggled to inspire his team in the field in the second innings when Phil Jaques and Simon Katich batted West Indies out of the match.
Devon Smith
Was pushed back up to open after batting at No. 6 against Sri Lanka and despite getting starts in both innings at Sabina Park, rarely looked completely at ease. Failed again in Antigua, extending his long run of disappointing form in Tests, and was axed for the third match.
3
Sewnarine Chattergoon
Was initially unavailable with a shoulder injury and when he did come in for the final Test, wrenched his ankle in the field sliding to stop a boundary. Made no real contribution with the bat but bravely hobbled out with a runner in the second innings as West Indies chased a massive total, despite being on crutches the day before.
Brenton Parchment
Looked vulnerable at the top of the order in his only outing. His technique had some problems and he was caught behind off Stuart Clark for low scores in both innings in Jamaica. Was brilliant in the field and his spectacular diving catch to end Ricky Ponting's innings on 158 was one of the lasting images of the tour.
Amit Jaggernauth
Was pounded into oblivion by Andrew Symonds in the second innings of his Test debut in Jamaica and, in a familiar manner for West Indies spinners, was immediately dumped. Picked up just one wicket but it was a memorable one, Michael Hussey brilliantly caught at first slip by Bravo.
Again pretty accurate. I wouldn't rate Bravo at 7.5, maybe 7. He was nowhere near Chanderpaul. If Haddin gets a rating of 6, then Ramdin gets 5 max
