Boxing Day Test Australia player ratings: Aussie trio 'playing for their spots' after two-day affair
While Australia has already won the Ashes, a series of players are under pressure for runs at the SCG with the first three Tests papering over the cracks of some lean performances.
The Boxing Day Test exposed problems in the batting after 20 wickets were lost across two days.
Jake Weatherald and Cameron Green will be the two that search for runs if selected at the SCG while Marnus Labuschagne's search for another Test ton has extended.
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"Looking ahead to Sydney there's a few players who will be playing for their spots," Mark Waugh said on Fox Cricket.
"Jake Weatherald in particular, Cameron Green needs to make some runs, Usman Khawaja, is it his last series?"
Jake Weatherald, Jhye Richardson, Cameron Green and Usman Khawaja. Getty
Here's how Wide World of Sports rated every Australian player from the Boxing Day Test.
Jake Weatherald - 2
Scores of 10 and 5 mean he needs another half-century at least at the SCG.
Has looked solid at the top for Australia but isn't converting starts. Averaging 20.86 across the series.
Travis Head - 6
Looked the best of the batters in the second innings and top scored with 46. Needed a lot more support around him.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 26: Scott Boland of Australia and Travis Head of Australia leave the field at stumps on day one of the Fourth Test in the 2025/26 Ashes Series between Australia and England at Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 26, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images) Getty
Marnus Labuschagne - 2
Is being troubled again by that channel outside off stump and was caught in the slips twice for scores of 6 and 8.
His run without a century extends from the 2023 Ashes.
Steve Smith - 6
Looked like he could manage the pitch in both innings. However, he clean missed a Josh Tongue delivery in the first for 9.
Ran out of partners in the second and would've been furious as he walked off for 24 not out.
Usman Khawaja - 4
Looked solid for his 29 but then couldn't handle a shorter delivery in the second innings and walked off for a second-ball duck.
Usman Khawaja. Getty
Alex Carey - 4
Will be seriously disappointed with both dismissals. Had a lapse in concentration in the first innings after a well made 20. Then played at a ball he could've left alone on the second day.
Cameron Green - 4
When it comes to this Test, Green actually looked one of the best out of all the batters but then threw his wicket away on both occasions.
That run out will be a moment he'd love to forget along with his edge to the slips in the second innings.
Cameron Green run out. Fox Cricket
Michael Neser - 7
Would be hard to criticise Neser's output despite a disappointing day two with the ball.
Top-scored for Australia in the first innings and then took 4-45 on the same day.
Michael Neser. Getty
Mitchell Starc - 6
Missed out with the bat but toiled hard with the ball. Claimed four wickets across the whole Test.
Jhye Richardson - 5.5
In his comeback after four years out from the Test arena, Richardson will wonder what on earth this format is now.
Two days of cricket certainly wouldn't have been his expectation and doesn't help much with his recovery. Was tidy with the ball and took two wickets in the second innings.
Scott Boland - 7.5
On his home ground, Boland looked the most dangerous of the bowlers.
Claimed five wickets in the Test but could be one bowler who gets a rest in the fifth Test.
