• INDIA TEST SQUAD PLAYER RATINGS: Ravindra Jadeja, 7. 85 runs, average 85; seven wickets at 15. Topped the batting and bowling averages for India in the series. Unlucky to miss out on the final game after his thumb injury at Sydney. Getty Images
    INDIA TEST SQUAD PLAYER RATINGS: Ravindra Jadeja, 7. 85 runs, average 85; seven wickets at 15. Topped the batting and bowling averages for India in the series. Unlucky to miss out on the final game after his thumb injury at Sydney. Getty Images
  • Shardul Thakur, 8. Seven wickets at 22.14. Only got his chance once the well had run dry for India, and proved more than up to the task. His counter attacking innings of 67 at Brisbane was vital, and he took seven wickets in the game, too. AFP
    Shardul Thakur, 8. Seven wickets at 22.14. Only got his chance once the well had run dry for India, and proved more than up to the task. His counter attacking innings of 67 at Brisbane was vital, and he took seven wickets in the game, too. AFP
  • Washington Sundar, 8. Four wickets at 42.25. Might not play again any time soon, once Jadeja and Ashwin are fit again, but showed plenty of pluck when he got his chance in the decider. His 62 in a fine alliance with Thakur kept India in it at the Gabba. AFP
    Washington Sundar, 8. Four wickets at 42.25. Might not play again any time soon, once Jadeja and Ashwin are fit again, but showed plenty of pluck when he got his chance in the decider. His 62 in a fine alliance with Thakur kept India in it at the Gabba. AFP
  • Shubman Gill, 8. 259 runs, average 51.80. Lucky to miss the horror show at Adelaide. Elegance personified, and consistent, too. A number of good starts for his side, without making an eye-catching score to go with it. AFP
    Shubman Gill, 8. 259 runs, average 51.80. Lucky to miss the horror show at Adelaide. Elegance personified, and consistent, too. A number of good starts for his side, without making an eye-catching score to go with it. AFP
  • Rishabh Pant, 9.5. 274 runs, average 68.50. What an enigma. Often seems like he could not catch a cold, but his pugnacious batting changes games. He was heroic in Sydney and Brisbane. “It has been a dream series,” he said, after winning it for his team. AFP
    Rishabh Pant, 9.5. 274 runs, average 68.50. What an enigma. Often seems like he could not catch a cold, but his pugnacious batting changes games. He was heroic in Sydney and Brisbane. “It has been a dream series,” he said, after winning it for his team. AFP
  • Virat Kohli, 6. 78 runs, average 39. Did not have the chance to dominate in the way he did last time Down Under. His one match before heading back to Australia for the birth of his first child brought innings of 74 and four. AFP
    Virat Kohli, 6. 78 runs, average 39. Did not have the chance to dominate in the way he did last time Down Under. His one match before heading back to Australia for the birth of his first child brought innings of 74 and four. AFP
  • Ajinkya Rahane, 9. 268 runs, average 38.28. Might have felt like he’d been handed a poisoned chalice, taking over a side who had just been bowled out for 36. His response was extraordinary, and his century at Melbourne was his career zenith. AFP
    Ajinkya Rahane, 9. 268 runs, average 38.28. Might have felt like he’d been handed a poisoned chalice, taking over a side who had just been bowled out for 36. His response was extraordinary, and his century at Melbourne was his career zenith. AFP
  • Cheteshwar Pujara, 8. 271 runs, average 33.87. The only Indian other than Rahane to play all four Tests. Tough enough to bowl out, and virtually impossible to knock out, either, as he showed with his courageous stand on the last day of the series when he was struck 10 times. AFP
    Cheteshwar Pujara, 8. 271 runs, average 33.87. The only Indian other than Rahane to play all four Tests. Tough enough to bowl out, and virtually impossible to knock out, either, as he showed with his courageous stand on the last day of the series when he was struck 10 times. AFP
  • Rohit Sharma, 6. 129 runs, average 32.25. His belated introduction, after his recuperation from injury, felt like a timely boost for India, even if he did not provide huge returns. Stubbornly sticking to his guns when it comes to going on the attack. AFP
    Rohit Sharma, 6. 129 runs, average 32.25. His belated introduction, after his recuperation from injury, felt like a timely boost for India, even if he did not provide huge returns. Stubbornly sticking to his guns when it comes to going on the attack. AFP
  • Ravichandran Ashwin, 8. 78 runs, average 19.50; 12 wickets at 28.83. No-one likes him? bout a billion people might question Tim Paine’s assessment of Ashwin after his dogged stand with a poorly back at Sydney. Consistent with the ball, too. AFP
    Ravichandran Ashwin, 8. 78 runs, average 19.50; 12 wickets at 28.83. No-one likes him? bout a billion people might question Tim Paine’s assessment of Ashwin after his dogged stand with a poorly back at Sydney. Consistent with the ball, too. AFP
  • Hanuma Vihari, 7. 72 runs, average 18. Another symbol of the tourists bravery as he fought it out for a draw at Sydney despite scarcely being able to run. And remember the name: it’s Vihari, not Bihari. Getty Images
    Hanuma Vihari, 7. 72 runs, average 18. Another symbol of the tourists bravery as he fought it out for a draw at Sydney despite scarcely being able to run. And remember the name: it’s Vihari, not Bihari. Getty Images
  • Mayank Agarwal, 5. 78 runs, average 13. Underachieved, with 38 at Brisbane his top score in six attempts. Succumbed to the tension when he chipped up a catch to cover on the final evening with a game to win. Getty Images
    Mayank Agarwal, 5. 78 runs, average 13. Underachieved, with 38 at Brisbane his top score in six attempts. Succumbed to the tension when he chipped up a catch to cover on the final evening with a game to win. Getty Images
  • Mohammed Siraj, 9.5. 13 wickets at 29.53. The most compelling figure in the series. Tears for his late father during the national anthem. Standing up to abuse from the crowd. And gave his side a chance with his first Test five-for at the Gabba. EPA
    Mohammed Siraj, 9.5. 13 wickets at 29.53. The most compelling figure in the series. Tears for his late father during the national anthem. Standing up to abuse from the crowd. And gave his side a chance with his first Test five-for at the Gabba. EPA
  • Umesh Yadav, 6. Four wickets at 33.25. Started so brightly with three for 40 as the Indian bowlers sparkled in the first innings in Adelaide, but managed just one wicket in the next three innings. Getty Images
    Umesh Yadav, 6. Four wickets at 33.25. Started so brightly with three for 40 as the Indian bowlers sparkled in the first innings in Adelaide, but managed just one wicket in the next three innings. Getty Images
  • Wriddhiman Saha, 5. 13 runs, average 6.50. In the aftermath of the Pant heroics in the final two Tests, it seemed remarkable to think that Saha had started with the series with the gloves. AFP
    Wriddhiman Saha, 5. 13 runs, average 6.50. In the aftermath of the Pant heroics in the final two Tests, it seemed remarkable to think that Saha had started with the series with the gloves. AFP
  • Navdeep Saini, 5.5. Four wickets at 43. Might have expected more on Indian pitches that suit his pace and bounce, but at least he showed character to play on through his groin injury. AFP
    Navdeep Saini, 5.5. Four wickets at 43. Might have expected more on Indian pitches that suit his pace and bounce, but at least he showed character to play on through his groin injury. AFP
  • Jasprit Bumrah, 7. 11 wickets at 29.36. Took wickets in each of the six innings he bowled in. Kept his side in the series until he was done in by a side injury ahead of the last Test match. AFP
    Jasprit Bumrah, 7. 11 wickets at 29.36. Took wickets in each of the six innings he bowled in. Kept his side in the series until he was done in by a side injury ahead of the last Test match. AFP
  • Prithvi Shaw, 2. Four runs, average two. Once so highly-rated, he followed up a poor IPL with a chastening experience in Australia. Only two players – Mohammed Shami and T Natarajan, averaged less than he did for India in the series. Getty Images
    Prithvi Shaw, 2. Four runs, average two. Once so highly-rated, he followed up a poor IPL with a chastening experience in Australia. Only two players – Mohammed Shami and T Natarajan, averaged less than he did for India in the series. Getty Images
  • Mohammed Shami, 4. No wickets. Perhaps unfair to mark him at all, given the series was over for him before it had started, as he suffered a fearful blow to the forearm in the first Test. Getty Images
    Mohammed Shami, 4. No wickets. Perhaps unfair to mark him at all, given the series was over for him before it had started, as he suffered a fearful blow to the forearm in the first Test. Getty Images
  • T Natarajan, 6. Three wickets at 39.66. The fairy tale continues. Such was the dearth of options for India, a player who was not part of the squad when the series was announced debuted in the final Test. Getty Images
    T Natarajan, 6. Three wickets at 39.66. The fairy tale continues. Such was the dearth of options for India, a player who was not part of the squad when the series was announced debuted in the final Test. Getty Images

Cricket

Rishabh Pant and Pat Cummins superb, Prithvi Shaw and Nathan Lyon struggle: Australia v India Test series player ratings

Border-Gavaskar Trophy stays with India after extraordinary victory in Brisbane

Paul Radley
Paul Radley
Dubai

January 19, 2021

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Rishabh Pant led India’s wounded tourists to an astonishing win over Australia in Brisbane, to give them a comeback 2-1 win in the series.

The 23-year-old wicketkeeper made a sparkling 89 not out, including hitting the winning runs to hand Australia their first defeat at the Gabba since 1988.

It meant India won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy having been thrashed in the first Test, and after using 20 players, having seen captain Virat Kohli return home for paternity leave, as well as lose a number of other star players to injury.

Reflecting on a superb series, Paul Radley provides his player ratings for India in the photo gallery above and for Australia in the photo gallery below. To move on to the next photo, click on the arrows or if using a mobile device, simply swipe.

Australia player ratings

  • AUSTRALIA TEST SQUAD RATINGS: Marnus Labuschagne, 8. 426 runs, average 53.25. His formidable start in Test cricket continues to roll on, with his average now 60. 41. On another topic, if David Warner reckons you sledge too much, maybe it’s time to button it. Reuters
    AUSTRALIA TEST SQUAD RATINGS: Marnus Labuschagne, 8. 426 runs, average 53.25. His formidable start in Test cricket continues to roll on, with his average now 60. 41. On another topic, if David Warner reckons you sledge too much, maybe it’s time to button it. Reuters
  • Steve Smith, 7. 313 runs, average 44.71. It says much about Smith’s achievements that a series average of 44.71 felt a long way short of par for him. Displaced by New Zealand's Kane Williamson at the top of the ICC batting rankings. Getty Images
    Steve Smith, 7. 313 runs, average 44.71. It says much about Smith’s achievements that a series average of 44.71 felt a long way short of par for him. Displaced by New Zealand's Kane Williamson at the top of the ICC batting rankings. Getty Images
  • Tim Paine, 6. 204 runs, average 40.80. His batting improved, but his captaincy went the other way. Seems incapable of closing out games Australia should win. His mea culpa after sledging Ashwin and three dropped catches in Sydney was cringe. AFP
    Tim Paine, 6. 204 runs, average 40.80. His batting improved, but his captaincy went the other way. Seems incapable of closing out games Australia should win. His mea culpa after sledging Ashwin and three dropped catches in Sydney was cringe. AFP
  • Will Pucovski, 6. 72 runs, average 36. The bright young thing of Australian batting showed up well on his long awaited debut, only to miss out thereafter because of a shoulder injury. AFP
    Will Pucovski, 6. 72 runs, average 36. The bright young thing of Australian batting showed up well on his long awaited debut, only to miss out thereafter because of a shoulder injury. AFP
  • Cameron Green, 6. 236 runs, average 33.71, no wickets. It was a debut series more of promise than productivity for the 21-year-old all-rounder from Western Australia. AFP
    Cameron Green, 6. 236 runs, average 33.71, no wickets. It was a debut series more of promise than productivity for the 21-year-old all-rounder from Western Australia. AFP
  • Matthew Wade, 4. 173 runs, average 21.62. Clinging on to his place in the side after another indifferent series. His top score was 45 in eight innings. Remains to be seen whether he will be in the line up next time Australia play. Getty Images
    Matthew Wade, 4. 173 runs, average 21.62. Clinging on to his place in the side after another indifferent series. His top score was 45 in eight innings. Remains to be seen whether he will be in the line up next time Australia play. Getty Images
  • Marcus Harris, 5.5. 43 runs, average 21.50. His stop-start Test career saw him back into the side to open in the last Test match at the Gabba, where he made five and 38. EPA
    Marcus Harris, 5.5. 43 runs, average 21.50. His stop-start Test career saw him back into the side to open in the last Test match at the Gabba, where he made five and 38. EPA
  • Joe Burns, 5. 63 runs, average 21. Another missed opportunity to show he is the answer at the top of the order. Had a top score of 51 not out in winning the opening game, but made a total of just 12 in the three other trips to crease he made. Getty Images
    Joe Burns, 5. 63 runs, average 21. Another missed opportunity to show he is the answer at the top of the order. Had a top score of 51 not out in winning the opening game, but made a total of just 12 in the three other trips to crease he made. Getty Images
  • Travis Head, 4. 62 runs, average 20.66. Regarded as a fine prospect for Australia’s middle-order not so long ago. Now on the outside looking in. Run shy, and a soft dropped catch was his nadir. Getty Images
    Travis Head, 4. 62 runs, average 20.66. Regarded as a fine prospect for Australia’s middle-order not so long ago. Now on the outside looking in. Run shy, and a soft dropped catch was his nadir. Getty Images
  • Mitchell Starc, 5. 11 wickets at 40.72. Many regard this Australia attack among the best pace batteries in Test history, but it is questionable whether Starc carried his weight in this series. They definitely needed more from him on the last day. Getty Images
    Mitchell Starc, 5. 11 wickets at 40.72. Many regard this Australia attack among the best pace batteries in Test history, but it is questionable whether Starc carried his weight in this series. They definitely needed more from him on the last day. Getty Images
  • David Warner, 5. 67 runs, average 16.75. Clearly not a great return by his lofty standards, with a top score of 48 in four innings. But in mitigation, he was some way short of full fitness. AFP
    David Warner, 5. 67 runs, average 16.75. Clearly not a great return by his lofty standards, with a top score of 48 in four innings. But in mitigation, he was some way short of full fitness. AFP
  • Pat Cummins, 9.5. 21 wickets at 20.04. Imperious. The leading wicket-taker in the series, albeit without picking up a five-wicket haul. The pitch maps of where his deliveries landed belong in a textbook. Getty Images
    Pat Cummins, 9.5. 21 wickets at 20.04. Imperious. The leading wicket-taker in the series, albeit without picking up a five-wicket haul. The pitch maps of where his deliveries landed belong in a textbook. Getty Images
  • Nathan Lyon, 4. Nine wickets at 55.11. Went to 399 career wickets in his 100th Test just before defeat was confirmed, but he is unlikely to remember this series with great fondness, after failing to make the required impact in Sydney and Brisbane. AFP
    Nathan Lyon, 4. Nine wickets at 55.11. Went to 399 career wickets in his 100th Test just before defeat was confirmed, but he is unlikely to remember this series with great fondness, after failing to make the required impact in Sydney and Brisbane. AFP
  • Josh Hazlewood, 9. 17 wickets at 19.35. A perfect foil for Cummins. He picked up two five-wicket hauls, including figures of five for eight as they shot out India for 36 in the first Test. AFP
    Josh Hazlewood, 9. 17 wickets at 19.35. A perfect foil for Cummins. He picked up two five-wicket hauls, including figures of five for eight as they shot out India for 36 in the first Test. AFP
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