Player ratings: Star’s return forces three to fight for Test future
Australia’s selectors will feel vindicated from a first Test victory after they were heavily criticised for the Nic Maddinson inclusion in Durban.
Maddinson didn’t set the world on fire during his 10-year comeback match but his selection led to Matt Renshaw moving down to No.5 and playing the best Test of his career.
Back in touch: Nic Maddinson cracked 48 in Australia’s second innings in Durban. AP Photo/Themba Hadebe
The performance of Renshaw, and an entertaining 48 from Maddinson, leaves the selectors with a tough call if Cameron Green is fit for the second Test.
Does Maddinson fall out, Renshaw go back to opening and Green at No.5?
Or could Beau Webster, who scored 4 and 39 not out, drop out of the team with Green slotting in at six and Alex Carey moving back to seven for the second Test in Gqeberha starting Sunday.
The lean first innings from Webster leaves him susceptible now.
Here’s how all Australian players were rated from the first Test.
1. Travis Head - 2
An underwhelming Test for the aggressive left-hander. Was strangled down the leg side in the first innings and then played a shocker of a shot in the second dig when he hit a leading edge to Temba Bavuma. With his style, he won’t produce a perfect 10 every Test.
2. Nic Maddinson - 5
Wasn’t looking good for the shock selection after the first innings but set the tempo brilliantly when he had another chance with an exciting 48. Has given selectors food for thought now.
3. Marnus Labuschagne - 5
A rare scenario with the same score, 37 off 58 balls, from both digs. Has done enough to keep his spot but will need to get a big score eventually to stop the drums from beating.
4. Steve Smith - 6
Had two starts with the bat but it’s his incredible fielding display that rises this rating to six. Showed his value as a slip fielder for spin bowlers with a catch off a reverse sweep on day three and then took another sharp chance on the final day from Kyle Verreynne.
Steve Smith. Getty Images
5. Matt Renshaw - 9.5
Just needed another ton in the second innings to make this a perfect 10. Was shifted to five in the order and made it Renshaw’s Test with a brilliant performance with bat and ball, taking the first two wickets of his career in the baggy green.
6. Alex Carey - 5
As always solid with the gloves and went unnoticed, really, apart from his wonderful leg side catch to dismiss Wiaan Mulder. Disappointing with the bat, contributing 14 and 24.
7. Beau Webster - 4
Looked great when he batted with intent in the second innings but his 4 in the first will do him no favours if Green is fit. Unable to contribute much with the ball, taking a wicket from six overs.
Beau Webster. Getty Images
8. Pat Cummins - 8
Reliable as always with ball in hand and contributed when he wielded the willow too. His captaincy was on point as well, barely making a bad decision.
9. Mitchell Starc - 7
For the first time in a while, Australia didn’t need his bag of wickets, taking just three in the match. Dismissing Aiden Markram for 37 in the first innings was vital and did it again late on day five.
10. Nathan Lyon - 7
Two crucial wickets of Bavuma and Verreynne in the first innings but his best contribution was with the bat when he combined with Matt Renshaw for a record partnership.
11. Josh Hazlewood - 9
While Scott Boland is a star, Hazlewood appeared to end the debate over who deserves the spot more. Finished the match with eight wickets to remind everyone just how good he is.
