Ashes second Test Australia player ratings: England's morale broken by one man
Updated . First published at
BRISBANE: Australia has one hand on the urn and will head to Adelaide knowing the chance to demoralise England again is real.
The scary part for England is Australia will get even better with Pat Cummins set to return.
Cummins hasn't been needed across the first two Tests though with Steve Smith's providing exemplary leadership and the bowling cartel doing the job.
AS IT HAPPENED: Second Ashes Test, day two
READ MORE: 5-0? Aussies daring to dream after Gabba walloping
READ MORE: Smith's savage reply to Archer in captivating verbal clash
Here's how Wide World of Sports has rated the Aussie team from the second Test in Brisbane.
Steve Smith and Jake Weatherald. Getty
Jake Weatherald - 8
Has changed Australia's batting at the top. Set the platform with his aggressive approach in the first innings and carried his bat in the second.
Travis Head - 5.5
After the heroics of the first Test, it's hard to reach that same pinnacle. Made starts for Australia and is combining brilliantly with Weatherald.
Travis Head is bowled by Gus Atkinson. Getty
Marnus Labuschagne - 6.5
He's almost officially back. Labuschagne has benefited from the aggressive opening combination and looked solid for his 65. Copped a brute of a delivery in the second innings.
Steve Smith - 8
Captaining brilliantly for Australia and is looking incredibly confident. Scored a vital 61 in the first innings and then smashed England's morale in nine balls to win the match.
Cameron Green - 5.5
Played a shot he'd rather forget for his 45, but looked good before it. Went wicketless with the ball but was the only bowler to trouble Joe Root during his hundred.
Alex Carey - 9
Has he ever kept better? No errors of note and did brilliantly up to the stumps for Michael Neser and Scott Boland. His batting was crucial too.
Alex Carey takes a catch to dismiss Ben Stokes. Getty
Josh Inglis - 6
Solid with the bat without being spectacular. The real highlight was his run out that changed the momentum of the match.
Michael Neser - 8.5
An inspired selection that copped plenty of criticism. But Neser proved George Bailey right and showed why he's a king with the pink ball. Will likely cop the axe for Adelaide due to Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon, but will be hard done by.
Michael Neser throws the ball in the air after catching Ollie Pope. Getty
Mitchell Starc - 9
What a series he's having. Six wickets in the first innings followed by a 77 and two more scalps. Australia's hero.
Scott Boland - 6.5
England has definitely tried to attack the cult hero and he was expensive for his 1-87 but proved why they're calling him second innings Scotty with two wickets. Played an important role in his batting partnership with Starc.
Scott Boland dismisses Harry Brook. Getty
Brendan Doggett - 6
Is being a real team player out there. Not normally known for his short-pitched bowling, that's the assignment he has. Took two wickets across the match but has played his role.
