AUSTRALIA (ratings by Tom Decent)
Joe Burns (204 runs at 68) – 8
A lean score in Brisbane meant the heat was on Burns but reached triple figures in Canberra to post his highest Test score (180). Whether he can produce the same volume of runs against better attacks is yet to be seen.
Pat Cummins (14 wickets at 7.78) – 9.5
His 10-for in Brisbane was a brilliant display of fast bowling on a bouncy deck. Took 4-47 in Canberra as well and stepped up to the mark in a series without Josh Hazlewood.
Marcus Harris (69 at 23) – 3
A major disappointment in a series he was expected to dominate. One of only a few players locked in for the Ashes two games ago but now there is debate as to whether Burns has leapfrogged him in the pecking order. Was caught twice at point chasing wider balls.
Bring on the Ashes: Travis Head was the pick of Australian’s batsmen this summer.Credit:AAP
Travis Head (304 runs at 152) – 9
Chalked up 100 more runs than any other batsman in the series. Brought up a maiden Test ton and has put forward a tantalising case to feature in the first Ashes Test.
Usman Khawaja (112 runs at 56) – 7
There was serious pressure on Khawaja before his unbeaten 101 in Canberra. His dismissal in the first innings was ugly but he silenced critics for the time being with a second-innings hundred.
Marnus Labuschagne (91 runs at 30.33, two wickets at 5.5) – 6
Peeled off 81 at his home ground before butchering a chance for a maiden Test ton. Only contributed 10 runs in the last Test of the summer. There are still questions marks over how he would go in England if given the chance. Bowled well when given the chance.
Nathan Lyon (Four wickets at 44) – 6
Not as dominant as the India series but still did a job. Finished with two wickets in Canberra.
Tim Paine (45 at 45) – 7
A golden duck in Brisbane was not ideal but the skipper got a few in the first innings at Manuka Oval. His glovework was excellent and had superb footwork too when Starc sprayed a few down the leg side. His first series win as skipper.
Kurtis Patterson (144 runs at 144) – 9
Dismissed for 30 at the Gabba batting with the tail but booked his ticket to the UK with a fine 114 not out in Canberra. Had he not been dropped first ball, though, Patterson would have averaged 15 for the series. A great reward for what has been an excellent summer for the New South Welshman.
Jhye Richardson (Six wickets at 20.5) – 7.5
A great find for the Australians this summer. His five wickets on debut was a nice reminder that there is depth in the fast-bowling stocks. Could be a smoky for the Ashes given he has shown he can swing the ball and has a lovely seam position.
Resurgent: Mitchell Starc saved his best for the last Test of the summer.Credit:AAP
Mitchell Starc (12 wickets at 16.41) – 7.5
After an average display in Brisbane, Starc found his mojo with a 10-wicket haul. He bowled quicker and far more accurately in Canberra in what was a much-needed confidence boost.
SRI LANKA (ratings by Andrew Wu)
Dushmantha Chameera (1 wicket at 68) – 3
Another seamer who was injured and unable to play both Tests. Had propensity to bowl a bad ball an over, which prevented him from building pressure.
Dinesh Chandimal (24 runs at 6) – 1
Very good player at his top but the skipper had an absolute stinker with scores of five, zero, 15 and four.
Series to forget: Sri Lankan captain Dinesh Chandimal hit double figures only once. Credit:AP
Dhananjaya de Silva (50 at 12.5, 1 wicket at 101) – 2
Another batsman who struggled against Australia's quicks. Jhye Richardson dismissed him three times in four innings.
Niroshan Dickwella (140 at 35) – 7
The gloveman can hold his head high. His half-century saved his team from absolute embarrassment in Brisbane. The visitors' best player this series.
Shining light: Niroshan Dickwella was one of few Sri Lankan players to enhance his reputation.Credit:AP
Vishwa Fernando (4 wickets at 42.25) – 4
Left-armer who struck with the new ball in both innings but lost potency as the ball lost its shine.
Suranga Lakmal (5 wickets at 15) – 6
Clearly Sri Lanka's best bowler in a series where their bowlers lacked penetration. Was dangerous under lights in Brisbane, and sorely missed in Canberra.
Chamika Karunaratne (1 wicket at 148) – 1
Brought into the tour amid injury crisis, which is hardly sound preparation for a Test debut, and it showed.
Dimuth Karunaratne (94 runs at 23.5) – 4
Sri Lanka needed more from one of their few world-class batsmen but other than a half-century did not rise to the occasion.
Lahiru Kumara (1 wicket at 37) – 4
Bowled with good speed at the Gabba but broke down with a hamstring injury. Has a bright future if well looked after.
Kusal Mendis (63 runs at 15.75) – 3
Slayed Australia at home in 2016 but did not fire a shot. Given kick up the bum in being moved down to No.5 in second innings.
Dilruwan Perera (2 wickets at 124) – 2
Forgettable series but it's hard being a spinner on Australian pitches when your batsmen give you nothing to defend.
Kusal Perera (29 runs at 29) – 3
Recalled for second Test only to retire hurt after being hit on helmet. Returned in second dig for a golden globe.
Kasun Rajitha (3 wickets at 55.66) – 2
Bowled better in the second innings in Canberra when sting was out of the game.
Roshen Silva (12 runs at 6) – 1
After twin failures in Brisbane and a poor Test in New Zealand, was dropped for a wicket-keeper batsman, which does not bode well for his future.
Lahiru Thirimanne (115 runs at 28.75) – 5
Made his name as a limited-overs player but now has opportunity to cement a Test berth. Failed to convert any of his four starts into a half-century.
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