Ashes 2009 Australian Players Ratings
Evaluations of Each Player’s Contribution Australia vs England
Sep 7, 2009
Simon Katich (7) – Katich has truly made the openers position his own in this Australian batting order, always difficult to dismiss and scored consistent runs.
Shane Watson (6) – Watson did offer a lot more than Hughes in terms of giving Australia a solid foundation but failed to make a sizeable score and bowled poorly.
Ricky Ponting (7) – Always determined and always scores runs, it was more of the same from Ponting in the 2009 Ashes but once again failed to inspire with some negative tactical decisions as Captain.
Mike Hussey (3) – Played excellent in the final innings of the series to perhaps earn himself another chance at this level but overall a disappointing series, he is unlikely to be allowed another dry run like the one he has just endured.
Michael Clarke (9) – Made quality runs in absolute sublime fashion throughout the series, Clarke has come a long way since 2005 and now must be recognised as one of the world’s premier batsman.
Marcus North (9) – North may have been considered by many as the team’s ‘extra’ batsman but he showed off his run-scoring pedigree throughout the series and should play plenty more test matches for Australia yet.
Brad Haddin (8) – Haddin plays much the same way as Gilchrist, prone to getting himself out but absolutely devastating once he gets going, he enjoyed a fine series with the bat at 7.
Mitchell Johnson (5) – Johnson showed flashes of his impressive talent but bowled far too erratically and failed to spearhead an inexperienced Australian attack.
Peter Siddle (7) – Siddle bowled consistently well and enjoyed a superb spell at Headingly, he both had the ability to contain the batsman and take wickets.
Ben Hilfenhaus (9) – Hilfenhaus was the only bowler in the series to bowl well in every single test and after originally only starting because of Brett Lee’s injury, has done a lot to cement a place in future Australian team. It is fair to say that English conditions suited his bowling more than any other Australian in the pace attack.
Nathan Hauritz (7) – Hauritz was unfortunate to be dropped for the final test and should have been selected for the Oval, he proved surprisingly effective tying the batsman down.
Phil Hughes (2) – Hughes came into this test series with high expectations but had his technical flaws exploited by Flintoff in particular and must now return to State cricket to work on his game.
Stuart Clark (5) – Had a dream return taking three wickets in the first innings at Headingly, but was ineffective thereafter and probably should not have played at The Oval.
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