Even allowing for a nervous day five run-chase in Sydney, Australia’s dominance of the Ashes was emphatic. Here’s how every player on both sides rated throughout the series – from the stars and standouts to the tourists heading home with doubts over their immediate cricketing futures.

(201 runs at 22.33)

The jury is still out on the Test newcomer, whose modest numbers don’t reflect the contribution he made to Australia’s series victory. Strong in Perth and Brisbane when given room to cut and drive, the opener’s set-up leaves him vulnerable to being trapped in front. England figured him out, dismissing him lbw four times in 10 innings. It won’t have gone unnoticed in South Africa, assuming he gets picked. 4.5/10

(629 runs at 62.90)

In a series dominated by the bowlers, world cricket’s best big-game player became just the eighth Australian to score 600 or more runs in an Ashes series, joining greats such as Don Bradman, Steve Smith and Greg Chappell. A revelation in his new role as opener, Head has transformed Australia’s top order with his dynamic strokeplay. His runs had a major impact – from the series-turning century in Perth to the series-winning ton in Adelaide. Get the popcorn ready for his duel with Kagiso Rabada later this year. 9.5

(259 runs at 28.77)

Not the series Australia’s No.3 would have hoped for after being recalled, though he played important hands in the hosts going up 2-0. Labuschagne was at his best when he looked to score rather than defend, only to fall back to his old ways in Adelaide and Melbourne. Has now gone 40 innings without a century. His catching was exceptional. Much of what Australia wants to achieve overseas in the next 18 months depends on Labuschagne getting back to the form of 2019-22. 5.5

(286 runs at 57.20)

Despite an average of 57.2 with the bat, Smith’s most influential contribution was his leadership and catching, particularly at slip, with a series-leading 14 grabs.

Deputising as captain for the injured Pat Cummins, Smith remained calm and patient with his tactics, backed up by top-class bowling. Often batted when conditions were toughest and missed out on the batting paradise when a late out in Adelaide with vertigo so he deserved the chance to make hay in the final game. Still one of the best batters in the world. 8

(176 runs at 25.14)

Rollercoaster final series for the veteran, who was picked to open yet played all his innings lower down the order. His career appeared over after a back injury in Perth, only to be saved by Smith’s illness. Once he got going in Adelaide, he looked like the Khawaja of old, doing enough to earn the right to bow out on his own terms. The timing feels right, though his play against spin will be missed in India next year. 5

(323 runs at 46.14, 28 catches, 1 stumping)

Career-best series for the South Australian, who is now clearly the best Test wicketkeeper in the world. His ability to make the difficult look regulation is a nod to his technical expertise. His glove work standing up to the stumps was important in taming England’s Bazballers, preventing them from walking down the track and scrambling the lengths of Australia’s seamers. His batting was top class, often bailing his team out of trouble. Will need to work on the flick off his pads after being caught at leg slip three times late in the series. 9.5

(171 runs at 24.42, 4 wickets at 70.75)

After 37 Tests, Green’s apprenticeship is over, but he finds himself fighting for his place in the XI. The allrounder looked comfortable in most of his innings, only to repeatedly squander opportunities for big scores with brain fades. His........

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