Ashes player ratings: Joe Root’s century not enough as England crumble vs Australia at the Gabba

England were thrashed by eight wickets inside four days in the second Ashes Test as Australia took a 2-0 series lead

England were handed a resounding defeat by eight wickets as Australia took a commanding 2-0 lead in the Ashes series. The loss in Perth last month was a blow for the Three Lions, but this match was a masterclass in Test cricket from the hosts.

England’s top order failed to deliver, while Australia’s shone. Joe Root’s impressive first innings century made him the standout among England’s batsmen, with Ben Stokes and Will Jacks showing some fight in the second innings.

However, it was far from enough as England’s bowlers struggled to find their rhythm. Australia breezed past England’s 334, posting a mammoth 511.

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The Three Lions rallied on day four, but the Aussies were untroubled by the modest 65-run chase. Here’s how Matty Hewitt rated England’s players for the Mirror:

Zak Crawley – 6

He put in a solid first innings performance with 76 runs and seemed to be building well in his second with 44. There’s plenty of scope for improvement and he lost his wicket cheaply.

Ben Duckett – 2

Scored a duck in his first innings and then dropped two crucial catches as Australia accelerated. He made a steady start to his second innings but lost another disappointing wicket.

Ollie Pope – 2

There are serious doubts over his position at number three again. He’s become far too predictable.

Joe Root – 8

His much-needed century gave England a glimmer of hope in the first innings. They can’t keep depending on his brilliance to win matches.

Harry Brook – 3

A lacklustre Test match from the world’s second-best batsman. England are desperate for him to step up his game and stop squandering his wicket so carelessly.

Ben Stokes – 7

Appeared to be the only bloke capable of taking a wicket at one point. A sterling second innings from the England skipper. He led by example as the top order watched on. His dismissal will leave a bitter taste in his mouth.

Jamie Smith – 3

His keeping was subpar in Australia’s first innings, and he’s been struggling with the bat. When you compare his performance to Alex Carey’s for Australia, there’s a chasm between them.

Will Jacks – 5

He dug deep and gave England a glimmer of hope. A partnership of 96 runs with Stokes, though he did seem the more jittery of the two.

Gus Atkinson – 5

England’s most reliable bowler but didn’t see much payoff. Not his finest hour with the bat.

Brydon Carse – 4

Managed to bag four wickets but was costly in his first innings, conceding 152 runs.

Jofra Archer – 5

Far from his best with the ball but chipped in some valuable runs with the tail-enders.

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