ASHES PLAYER RATINGS: Joe Denly stars as David Warner has another match to forget

KISHAN VAGHELA AT THE OVAL: The England opener set up the win with 94 runs, while David Warner managed just 16 runs in the match

ENGLAND

Rory Burns (47 & 20) - England seemingly have their long-term successor to Sir Alastair Cook in the Surrey man, but he will need to eradicate the sloppy dismissals which cost him adding to his century and two half-centuries in this series. 6

Joe Denly (14 & 94) - Everything that was lacking in the first innings, patience and application being the major two, was everpresent in the second as he ground his way, with some smashes off Nathan Lyon too, to 94. Will be disappointed to miss out on his first Test century but is now likely a guarantee for the winter. 8

Joe Root (57 & 21) - The England captain finishes the Ashes with just 325 runs at an average of 32.50 and a highest score of 77. Despite looking like he had overcome his technical difficulties of the last few games, he was bowled when trapped on the crease in the first innings before nicking off early in his second. A long summer for Root, but one that has provided more questions than answers for his batting and captaincy. 5

Ben Stokes (20 & 67) - Like Denly, was out to a dreadful shot in the first innings, but then shared a 127-run stand with the Kent man in what was an excellent knock to complement the opener's innings. Playing as a specialist batsman in this game because of his shoulder problem, it was one of the better performances from an England no.4 in this series. 6

Jonny Bairstow (22 & 14) - The only batsman whose position is considered to be under threat who failed to make at least a half-century, this was another damaging performance from the wicketkeeper. CricViz highlighted that since regaining the gloves in February, Bairstow has managed just 216 runs at an average of 18, with 12 dismissals. It could well be time for a change. 4

Jos Buttler (70 & 47) - Rediscovered his joy for batting in the first innings as he counterattacked and ensured England put on a competitive first-innings score. Everything spectators were expecting at various points in the summer came at The Oval to add to his World Cup century at Trent Bridge, and it looked like he had renewed confidence in the second innings until a brilliant catch from Marnus Labuschagne. 7

Sam Curran (15 & 17 ; 3-46 &) - Finally got his chance to make an impression on the series after being part of each of the five squads in the series, his counterattacking reputation didn't quite live up to the hype as he was twice dismissed cheaply. But on his home ground, he was a weapon as a left-armer and managed to trouble Steve Smith in the first innings, although he offered little in the second. 6

Chris Woakes (2 & 6 ; 1-51 & ) - Contributed little with the bat after being recalled following his absence at Old Trafford. Lacked the energy of Curran but was the one who finally managed to breach the defence of Steve Smith in the first innings. Was economical in the second but rarely caused problems. 5

Jofra Archer (9 & 3 ; 6-62 & 0-66) - His pace and general energy was down at Old Trafford, but he discovered some new Duracell batteries for this Test. Dismissed the top two cheaply and showed his white-ball skills with an excellent knuckle ball to dismiss Nathan Lyon as he recorded a six-fer. Got stuck in, particularly to Matthew Wade, without reward in the second innings. 7

Jack Leach (21 & 9 ; 0-18 & 4-49) - A pitch conducive to spin, Jack Leach was on his way once Jonny Bairstow had stumped Marnus Labuschagne. Two wickets in as many deliveries, both caught by Joe Root, sealed the deal. England's best spinner, and he proved it at The Oval. 7

Stuart Broad (0* & 12* ; 0-45 & 4-62) - No Jimmy, no problem for Broad. Continued his success against David Warner, the seventh time he had dismissed him in the series, after a below par first innings. But then came the crucial wicket of Steve Smith, and England were on their way. He has had bursts like this before, but this was just as crucial. 8

^{Archer appeared to have a new lease of life as he took 6 for 62}

AUSTRALIA

David Warner (5 & 11) - A shocking series for the opener came to an end with another double failure. Stuart Broad has left scars on Warner. How deep they run remain to be seen. He looks bereft of all confidence and application. 3

Marcus Harris (3 & 9) - Tim Paine praised him for his Sheffield Shield record, but it appears Harris is still to make the jump to Test level. Struggled again and his off stump was sent cartwheeling by Broad, which demonstrates the struggles he has had. 4

Marnus Labuschagne (48 & 14 ; 0-5 & 0-26) - Has had an excellent series but couldn't quite muster the same results as in previous games. Nevertheless, the find of the English summer for Australia. Usman Khawaja has a fight on his hands. 5

Steve Smith (80 & 23) - Even Smith could not see Australia over the line in the run chase as England's plans finally yielded some result. However, another fine innings before he missed one angling in at leg stump came in the first innings. A super series, and once which will live long in the memory. 6

Matthew Wade (19 & 117 ) - He gave plenty of chatter to the England batsmen, but after a first innings failure he brought his best game to the party. There was bravado and a sheer determination to resist England which saw him bring up a career best score. It wasn't enough, but he has certainly left a blueprint for Australia hopefuls to follow. 8

Mitchell Marsh (17 & 24 ; 5-46 & 2-40) - As is his wish, he has surely endeared himself more to Australian fans after an excellent performance, particularly with the ball. Swing at The Oval was a rarity but he extracted enough to pick up a well-deserved five-for. However, he would be disappointed with no contribution with the bat, particularly as he wants to undertake that allrounder role. 7

Tim Paine (1 & 21) - From team selection, to the toss, to the DRS, the Australia skipper has quite frankly had a shocker. A tongue-in-cheek response of taking an umpiring course because of his continual DRS problems demonstrated he has very few excuses for his "mare", and while he will return home as the first Australia captain to come back with the urn since 2001, he will be distraught that a golden opportunity to beat a low-confidence England was spurned. 3

Pat Cummins (0 & 9 ; 3-84 & 2-67 ) - Another quick who looks like he is feeling the effects of an arduous summer, he delivered a brilliant ball to Root in the first innings but his second innings went without the sort of rewards he has reaped for much of the summer. However, after the summer he has had, a drop off was to be expected at some point, but he must demonstrate his batting talent with much better numbers. 5

Peter Siddle (18 & 13* ; 0-61 & 2-52 ) - Offered his captain little in the first innings in terms of both control and wickets, but a two-over spell built the pressure on Denly and stopped the England opener reaching his century, before Labuschagne took an excellent catch for his second. Why he was picked ahead of James Pattinson and Mitchell Starc in the squad and team respectively however remains a mystery. 4

Nathan Lyon (25 & 1 ; 0-12 & 4-69 ) - A limited role in the first innings gave way to a much more prominent role in the second. Delivered a stunning ball to get rid of the set Stokes in the classic offspinner's manner, and a straighter line appeared to pay dividends. Could have had more if Australia's fielding had been on the money. 7

Josh Hazlewood (1* & 0 ; 2-76 & 0-57 ) - A strange Test match for the seamer who for the most part was nullified by the England batsmen. Dismissed Burns and Archer in the first innings but went wicketless in the second as the toil yielded no rewards. A disappointing end to a long series. 5