Sri Lanka vs Australia: Player ratings from the series

Australia:

Much to ponder for Steve Smith and Darren Lehmann after the debacle

David Warner- 4/10

Much like the other Australian batsmen, David Warner struggled to get in his groove against the spinners. He tried to hit out his way out of the corner but it did not yield the desired results.

He got to his only half-century in the final innings of the series, but then his premeditation did not help him as he was dismissed for 68. He was bowled around his legs, and this dismissal summed up his series.

Joe Burns- 1/10

In his first outing in the sub-continent, Burns was put under the scanner and the Queenslander did not have the required answers.

Such was his struggles that he was dropped for the final match of the series.

Shaun Marsh- 7/10

Shaun Marsh replaced Burns and had an immediate impact when he scored a century in the first innings of the Third match and looked at ease against the spinners.

However, the other Australian batsmen could not contribute and this effort was not enough for Australia to salvage a draw. However, this innings bodes well for Australia for their next tour to India next year.

Usman Khawaja- 2/10

After a bumper last year, Khawaja was brought back to reality when he was found all at sea against the probing spin of Sri Lanka. 26, 18, 11 and 0 were the scores he could manage in the four innings and thus was benched for the final Test match.

One just hopes that the left-hander learns from this tour and builds his game accordingly.

Steve Smith- 7/10

One of the best players of spin in Australia, Smith did play few innings of substance in the series, but then his efforts were never enough to forge a result.

His nifty footwork against the spinners was useful, but then it proved to be detrimental in a couple of occasions. However, the captain scored a century and a half-century in the series and was by far the best batsman in the side.

Adam Voges- 1/10

Adam Voges came into the series with a Test average well beyond 80, but his game was exposed against spin in all the three matches of the series.

Voges never found any answers to the many questions posed to him, and all his tactics to counter spin was not sufficient.

Mitchell Marsh- 3/10

Many great things are expected of Mitchell Marsh, but this series was a major blip in his growth. On unresponsive pitches, his bowling was not penetrative enough, and his batting against spin was far from assuring.

Moises Henriques- 2/10

The New South Wales player was included in the team for the final Test match, but the problems did not cease.

Much like his teammates, Henriques was pre-meditating his strokes, and could never read the flight and lengths of the ball with precision.

Peter Nevill- 4/10

The wicket-keeper was fairly secure behind the stumps but did not look the part with the bat. Nevill has been a good wicket-keeper and contributes handy runs with the bat, but then this tour will be a sharp learning curve for him.

Mitchell Starc- 8/10

On pitches which were tailor-made for spinners, Mitchell Starc showed his pedigree with the ball as he accounted for 24 wickets in the series.

He was brilliant with both the new as well as the old ball and was the go-to-man for Steven Smith.

Nathan Lyon- 4/10

Much was expected from Nathan Lyon, the greatest Australian off-spinner in spinning conditions, but unfortunately, the off-spinner could not come up with the goods in the series, and was a massive let down for the visitors.

Jon Holland - 2/10

Holland was handed his Test cap after Stephen O'Keefe was ruled out of the series with an injury. Holland who had a decent run in Shield cricket, could not replicate his performances on the International circuit and did not look penetrative enough.

Much to learn for the left-arm spinner.

Josh Hazlewood- 4.5/10

In conditions where is there is no pace and seam movement, the primary role of Hazlewood was to keep his end tight and allow other bowlers to attack from the other end.

He started this series with a bang and picked up 3 wickets in the first session, but then wickets dried up as the series progressed.

Also, he was not as effective with the old ball, and this is one area where he needs to improve a lot.