In England’s final Test of 2021, they were utterly humiliated by rivals Australia as they were beaten inside three days at the MCG by an innings and 14 runs, with Pat Cummins’ side successfully retaining the urn with two games to spare.
One year later, England have been completely transformed by Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum and end 2022 having become the first team to ever whitewash Pakistan at home, sealing a 3-0 series win with victory in Karachi.
“It has been perfect,” said Stokes. “It’s been a great team effort to come here and win 3-0, very pleasing. It has definitely been the most fun. Just going out and enjoying every moment we can, whatever situation we find ourselves in.”
Here are the England player ratings…
Zak Crawley – 6
Started brightly but a series of diminishing returns once Abrar Ahmed got involved. Gave England ideal impetus at the top of the order though.
Ben Duckett – 8
A superb return to Test cricket and played the sort of cricket that England picked him for. Stayed true to his strengths and swept Pakistan to distraction.
Ollie Pope – 8
A really great series considering he had the gloves for two Test matches unexpectedly. Showed that he can adapt to the situation if needed and still produce his main skill.
Joe Root – 6
An uncharacteristically quiet series for Root with the bat on pitches and against bowlers that normally suit him, but it just shows he is human. Some useful over bowled and wickets taken.
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Harry Brook – 9
A tour de force for the latest batting sensation in world cricket. England have got a generational talent and he will be dominating attacks for years to come.
Ben Stokes – 8
The pure batting and bowling numbers might not look like much, but as a captain he has been in a league of his own. To oversee a 3-0 whitewash was incredible, and he did so much for it.
Ben Foakes – 7
Cruelly missed out on two Tests due to the sickness bug coursing through the team in Islamabad and beyond. Returned to make a real contribution in Karachi and show his value.
Rehan Ahmed – 8
What a story. Ahmed fully vindicated England’s faith in him at such a tender age. To deliver a 5-wicket match-winning performance on debut is the stuff of dreams.
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Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)
Mark Wood – 9
He remains England’s point of difference in every team he plays in. Even on sluggish pitches like the two he played on here, he is an opposition’s nightmare.
Ollie Robinson – 8
Has emerged as a truly world class performer who can succeed in all conditions. His fitness is a world away from last winter and it has helped both him and the team to show off his skills.
Jack Leach – 8
A hugely appreciated member of the team who has got total backing from the skipper and it translated into wickets. Another great series for the nut who was ill, but not too ill for Stokesy.
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AAMIR QURESHI/AFP via Getty Images)
James Anderson – 9
Already the greatest ever England bowler, but somehow is still getting better and improving his craft in new regions. Utterly masterful, especially in Rawalpindi.
Will Jacks – 6
A wonderful debut with the ball after an unexpected call up due to illness elsewhere. Found life more tricky in his second game, but will have learnt so much on this trip.
Liam Livingstone – 5
Unable to show what he can do in this format due to a cruel knee injury. He will come again and it is clear this team is set up for a player like him to do well in.
