Warner, Khawaja lead the way; middle order thwarted

9

David Warner (592 runs at 98.66)

An outstanding series from the new vice-captain, underlining why he has become one of the most effective batsmen in the world and also one of the most prolific in Australian conditions. A blistering 253 in Perth was not only Warner's highest score but also longest innings, a strong indicator that he is intent on being more than simply a maker of rapid centuries. Formed a strong early understanding with Joe Burns, and though he made fewer runs in Adelaide, a snappy lead-off 35 in the second innings made the critical early inroads into a tricky target.

Usman Khawaja (304 runs at 152)

Two classical centuries in as many Tests made this a resoundingly successful return for Khawaja, who admitted he was "finally starting to enjoy" the highest level of the game. While granted a platform by Warner and Burns, Khawaja's fluent play left few in doubt that he will be the long-term No. 3 for Australia, his array of shots combining artfully with a solid defence. The only caveat for Khawaja is his fitness - a hamstring injury will keep him out of the team until Boxing Day, and he will need to be able to cope with the fatigue of long innings in the future.

8

Mitchell Starc (13 wickets at 23.23)

Few will forget Starc's spell on the third afternoon of the Perth Test, his pace and fire bringing momentary life to the deadest of pitches. There were other bursts of import also, across what was comfortably the most consistent Test series showing of his career to date. The retirement of Mitchell Johnson provides clarity for Starc and his captain Steven Smith, allowing the left-armer to be used as a spearhead with support bowlers working around him. For now, though, they can only speak in theoretical terms: a broken foot means Australia will have to do without Starc until February.

Josh Hazlewood (13 wickets at 31.61)

It was felt by numerous seasoned observers that Hazlewood bowled somewhat better than his figures suggested in Brisbane and Perth, and his Man-of-the-Match display in Adelaide when granted some more helpful conditions went a long way towards confirming that. Hazlewood had been a disappointment of Australia's failed Ashes campaign, but in this series all the issues he experienced in the northern hemisphere - inconsistent lines, trouble controlling a moving ball and wavering pace - were more than adequately addressed. Like Starc he has bowled a lot in this series, and may find himself resting up from a West Indies Test or two in an effort to ensure he doesn't also fall to injury.

Peter Nevill (132 runs at 32.50)

After his dramatic entry to Test cricket via the Ashes, Nevill consolidated his place with a quietly impressive display that showed his value as both a wicketkeeper and a middle-order batsman. Nevill's glove and footwork were exemplary throughout, summed up best by a ripping catch to dismiss Tom Latham off Nathan Lyon on day one in Adelaide. He then contributed the highest innings of a low scoring match, demonstrating a neatness of technique that will surely lead to centuries should he find willing allies at the other end. To that end, a batting promotion may be in order.

7

Nathan Lyon (10 wickets at 32.90)

Another very sturdy series by Lyon, in which he made consistent, useful breakthroughs and then contributed pivotally with the bat in Adelaide. After struggling at times with his line in Brisbane - as indicated by his captain Smith - Lyon's rhythm also improved, and his bowling in the third Test was beautifully teasing throughout, epitomised by his offbreak to lure Mitchell Santner down the wicket just when he looked to be taking the game away from the hosts. With each passing Test, Lyon is becoming an increasingly strong example of how a captain's faith and selection perseverance is critical to a spin bowler's development.

Steven Smith (281 runs at 46.83)

A winning first full Test series in charge was the main thing for Smith, as he seeks to build a new era with an increasingly young team. It was not always the most straightforward of assignments for Smith, as he found himself having remarkably little time in the middle in the first two Tests until Australia found themselves under unexpected pressure in Perth. Smith responded with a century, and then in Adelaide also made an important score in the first innings. His briefer stay on the final day of the match was less assured, and it will be vital for Smith to retain command of his own batting while also leading the men under his command.

Joe Burns (265 runs at 44.16)

If it was a series of diminishing returns for Burns, the early work he did should not be obscured by the slighter scores made later. Helping Warner get through the first session of the series at the Gabba was his most important task of all, and by following it up with a second-innings hundred he ensured the selectors will feel compelled to persist with the new opening union. His major drawback was a series of halting displays under the helmet at short leg - an unenviable but nevertheless important position that deserves an expert catcher.

Adam Voges (285 runs at 71.25)

Strong middle-order innings' in Brisbane and Perth were offset somewhat by a pair of starts in Adelaide, where Voges was far from alone in battling at times to see off the moving ball. As a vastly experienced cricketer and solid character, Voges is a key transitional figure in a team populated by plenty of twentysomethings, and his Perth partnership with Smith was a good example of doing the hard work when required by the team. His catching in the slips was not the most reliable, something he will doubtlessly have to improve for the West Indies series.

6

Shaun Marsh (51 runs at 25.50)

An Adelaide recall brought the kinds of extremes with which Australian cricket watchers have become used to when observing Marsh. His first-innings run-out was horrid, wasting his first chance to demonstrate the technical adjustments he had made with the help of Chris Rogers. But in the second, Marsh produced a performance far more important than the mere tally of 49 runs showed. Whether he can stay in the team once Khawaja is fit again is up for debate, but Marsh has at least shown he has improved since a forgettable Trent Bridge Test earlier in the year.

Peter Siddle (2 wickets at 44.50)

Two wickets for 89 does not sound like much, but Siddle's economy and experience provided critical balance to Australia's efforts in Adelaide. While conditions were more helpful than in Brisbane or Perth, it was not only Siddle's tight bowling that aided the hosts - Josh Hazlewood pointed out that his advice from mid-off contributed greatly to his own performance. Having been reminded of Siddle's value, the selectors will hope a back spasm he soldiered through will clear in time for Hobart.

5

Mitchell Marsh (69 runs at 13.80 and 7 wickets)

From a time before the Ashes when his bowling was considered the weaker string to his bow, Marsh has developed rapidly into a legitimate fourth seamer for Australia. The trouble is that his batting has not progressed as rapidly, and a slim return against New Zealand has opened questions about his suitability for No. 6 in the order. At his best when hitting the ball with power and conviction, Marsh may be better placed at No. 7.

4

Mitchell Johnson (7 wickets at 48.57)

As much as the announcement itself felt sudden to many, Johnson's retirement was something that had been on his mind for a long time, and his performances in this series showed as much. There were still glimpses of his best in a handful of spells, most notably a two-wicket burst in Brisbane and then a final crowd-pleasing attack on the New Zealand top order at the WACA Ground, but the fact they were coupled with numerous flat displays suggested the time was right.