Australia player ratings as Shaun Marsh get a 1 while Usman Khawaja shines

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  • Shaun Marsh (r) was Australia's biggest disappointment.

    Pakistan inflicted a crushing 373-run loss on Australia in the second and final Test at Abu Dhabi to capture the two-match series 1-0.

    The two Tests completed coach Justin Langer’s first red-ball assignment since taking over the role post the infamous ball-tampering episode which occurred in South Africa earlier this year.

    Here, we rate Tim Paine and his rejigged Australia Test squad’s performance over the course of the two matches in the UAE.

    AARON FINCH – 7

    The Aussie limited-overs stalwart was handed his maiden Test call up for the series and gave an admirable account of himself. The opener struck 62 and 49 in first Test at Dubai and got decent starts in the two innings at Abu Dhabi.

    USMAN KHAWAJA – 8

    The left-hander was Australia’s best batsman in the series by a country mile. His heroic efforts in Dubai where he registered an 81 in the first innings before putting on a match-saving 141 in the second should cement his place for good in the Test setup but the knee injury sustained in Abu Dhabi will come as a bitter pill to swallow.

    A mighty fine effort from Khawaja.

    A mighty fine effort from Khawaja.

    TRAVIS HEAD – 5

    The top-order batsman registered a fine 72 in the second innings at Dubai which was pivotal to Australia snatching a remarkable draw. However, he failed to really come to the party otherwise and will be highly disappointed with his returns.

    SHAUN MARSH – 1

    A combined total of 14 runs from four innings from the veteran in the Australia’s batting card was one of the main reasons for the visitors’ loss. The 35-year-old has been out of form for some time now and looks way past his best. A retirement or axing should be on the cards after the series.

    It could be curtains for Marsh's Test career.

    It could be curtains for Marsh’s Test career.

    MITCHELL MARSH – 3

    The junior of the Marsh siblings fared no better than Shaun himself with only 30 runs to show for from his four innings. The all-rounder fared just slightly better with the ball where he picked up two wickets across the series but his place in the side should rightly be questioned on the team’s return.

    MARNUS LABUSCHAGNE – 6

    The 24-year-old debutant did not really create any impact with the bat and was guilty of a massive brain fade to be run-out in the second Test. He did finish the series with a his highest Test score of 43 but it was his part-time leg spin that proved to be his most effective weapon in the series.

    TIM PAINE – 5

    The wicketkeeper-batsman’s first full series as Australia captain did not go according to plan. While he showed tremendous guts and spirit with his unbeaten effort of 61 in the second innings at Dubai, Paine was largely off-colour with the bat with his remaining three innings yielding only 10 runs.

    NATHAN LYON – 8

    The Aussie was the most prolific spinner from either side in the series with 12 scalps to his name at an average just greater than 32. The off-spinner performed his task with conviction and will feel let down by the support from the rest of the bowling line up.

    Lyon was the prolific spinner from either side.

    Lyon was the prolific spinner from either side.

    MITCHELL STARC – 6

    On the docile pitches of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Mitchell Starc cannot be faulted for a lack of effort. While he did bowl his heart out, Starc’s pace failed to really trouble the Pakistan batsman and he just had four wickets to show for his troubles in the end.

    PETER SIDDLE – 5

    The veteran Aussie workhorse was handed a Test recall due to the injuries to Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. He too, like Starc, bowled with gumption throughout the series but his medium pace never really reached threatening levels.

    JON HOLLAND – 5

    The 31-year-old made a return to Australia’s Test setup to provide a second spinning option for the visitors. The left-arm orthodox spinner was decent in Dubai with a four-wicket match haul but failed to pick up a single wicket in Abu Dhabi.

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