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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Dean Wilson

England player ratings vs South Africa as Stokes and Broad star but Root struggles

In a topsy-turvy series that saw all three Test matches end inside three days, England emerged as 2-1 winners after wrapping up a nine wicket victory in the final Test at the Oval.

Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope guided England home with the bat, with the former making an unbeaten 69 off 57 balls. Ollie Robinson was named player of the match, having picked up career best figures of 5-49 in the first innings and 2-40 in the second.

"I think it has been a great series for us as a team," England captain Ben Stokes said. "It has been a series where we haven't had any real individual standout performances, but different people throughout the series have put their hands up in crucial periods for us."

Here are the England player ratings...

Zak Crawley - 5 (134 runs @ 33.5)

One swallow does not make a summer, but Crawley will feel better about himself after his Oval fifty. Plenty still to prove.

Alex Lees - 3 (96 runs @ 19.20)

Against a high class attack and in favourable bowling conditions he has struggled to show he can thrive.

Ollie Pope - 7 (179 runs @ 44.75)

A hugely encouraging series for the number three who looks increasingly assured in the role.

Joe Root - 3 (46 runs @ 11.5)

A rough old series for the team's best batter. Was probably due for a failure or two but he will still be annoyed.

Joe Root endured a lean series with the bat (Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Harry Brook - 5 (12 runs @ 12)

Promising start for the debutant who didn’t appear overawed by the experience and has lots more to offer.

Ben Stokes - 8 (149 runs @ 37.25, 10 wickets @ 15.7)

Terrific contributions across the board with the bat, ball and as captain. An all round quality performer.

Ben Foakes - 7 (133 runs @ 44.33)

Found the right tempo and skill to score a valuable 2nd hundred. Keeping immaculate and now established in the team.

Ollie Robinson made a stunning return to Test cricket (Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Ollie Robinson - 8 (12 wickets @ 15)

A brilliant return to international cricket after a difficult winter. Took full advantage of the conditions.

Stuart Broad - 8 (14 wickets @ 15.57)

A consistent threat in a new first change role showed his versatility and skill as he continues to set new records.

Jack Leach - 5 (2 wickets @ 44.5)

When games are operating in fast forward, a spinner can get left behind. Not a series suited to his assets.

Stuart Broad and James Anderson were excellent against South Africa (Philip Brown/Popperfoto/Popperfoto via Getty Images)

James Anderson - 7 (10 wickets @ 16.6)

The peerless bowling wonder continues to produce remarkable skills past the age of 40 that are awe-inspiring.

Jonny Bairstow - 6 (67 @ 22.33)

Cruel luck denied him a final bow at the Oval, but he is vital to this team’s success and its style and played his part in Manchester.

Matt Potts - 5 (2 @ 39.5)

A reliable performer who has stepped up when required, but perhaps started to show the effects of a full summer of international cricket.

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