The Ashes are officially staying with Australia, in near-record time, thanks to brilliance from the South Australian locals and fine bowling efforts as England staged a long-overdue fightback. Here’s how we rated every player as the Ashes were clinched in the third Test.

The king of Adelaide: Travis Head has now scored centuries in four consecutive tests at Adelaide Oval.Credit: Getty Images

Jake Weatherald: The former South Australia opener wasted an opportunity in front of his home crowd. Out to a soft dismissal in the first innings, Weatherald had a brain fade by not reviewing an lbw call on a ball that pitched outside leg. His head position can leave him vulnerable to being trapped in front. Needs to finish off the series strongly to cement his spot in the team. 3/10

Travis Head: The move to the top of the order continues to reap huge rewards. The man who turned the series in Perth snuffed out England’s chances of regaining the urn with a brutal second innings century that more than atoned for a loose shot on day one. You can understand why he kissed the pitch: that’s four tons from his last four Tests at the venue. Should’ve had Joe Root’s wicket on day four as well, but was denied by the umpire on his lbw shout. 10

Marnus Labuschagne: Another batter who didn’t make the most of the friendly conditions. The No.3 was rock solid on day one until he failed to switch on immediately after a break, and was shackled in the second innings by an incisive spell from Brydon Carse. Always a positive voice in the field, he is never out of the game. Took one of the great slips catches on day four, then matched it to send Jacks packing on Sunday. One of the world’s best fielders. 6

Usman Khawaja: Steve Smith’s illness left a hole at No.4, and Khawaja ably filled the void. With scores of 82 and 40, the veteran, whose career seemed over just days ago, is now undroppable for Boxing Day – even if Smith is fit. Scratchy early in his comeback innings, Khawaja played with greater freedom after being dropped on five. His flicks off the pads were exquisite. Back in control of his own destiny. 8

Cameron Green: At the age of 26 and with 35 Tests now under his belt,........

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