All over for Compton but Hales proved class
ALASTAIR COOK 7
Not as prolific as he’d like to have been but the landmark of reaching 10,000 Test runs appeared to have preyed on his mind. Captained the side well and was always looking to win games. Timing of declaration at Lord’s was spot on and bold. Had a bit of fun with the bat leading up to it too and just looks as if he’s in a good place.
ALEX HALES 9
He did everything apart from get a hundred. I like the fact he’s been a quick learner since South Africa and you could even see that in the difference between his first and second innings here when he realised, as he said himself, that he had to show Rangana Herath more respect. The find of the summer so far for England.
NICK COMPTON 2
I didn’t understand his selection before the series. At a time when England are taking such forward strides in everything they do, it was a backward step to pick him. He is weighed down by technique — where he is too static — and mental anguish, and struggled throughout the series. A poor selection by England.
JOE ROOT 6
I can’t believe what a quiet series he’s had, other than scoring 80 in Durham, and he’ll be very disappointed. But that can happen, even with the best players. Maybe he’s slightly falling over his front foot a little bit more than usual. He will have to watch that, but it’s just been a series to forget for him.
JAMES VINCE 5
Without a 50 in his first Test series, he has basically done what has sometimes been said of him in county cricket — he can look good but then get out and that’s not what you want. He has been bowled at Lord’s before for Hampshire, so clearly hadn’t learned from his mistake in dealing with the slope.
JONNY BAIRSTOW 9.5
He’s only lost half a mark because of the odd missed chance. Yes, he’s taken 19 catches in this series but as a keeper you’re judged on the ones you drop. He’s batting brilliantly, as well as he’s ever done, and has turned himself into a run machine. The hunger for runs is immense and he’s cashing in while he’s been in prime form.
MOEEN ALI 7
A big century in Durham — and he was due one — but quiet other than that. Sometimes he bats too much like a No 7 or 8 Learning quickly: Alex Hales rather than the proper batsman he is. Bowled well in conditions that haven’t suited him and it’s a shame he didn’t get more of a chance to bowl Sri Lanka out on a fifth-day pitch.
CHRIS WOAKES 8
Was unlucky in the two Tests he played and could have got more wickets. Very good, repeatable action and has been the quickest bowler on either side. He’s a more than decent batsman, too, and will ask a question of the selectors when Ben Stokes comes back to full fitness. Used to be thought of as a good county cricketer but has gone a long way to showing that he’s more than that.
STUART BROAD 8
Only overshadowed by the brilliance of Jimmy Anderson. He’s really improved in the consistency of his bowling to left-handers in particular and brings the slip cordon into play more now by bowling it that little bit fuller. I wouldn’t pick him for the one-day matches as I’d rather keep him fresh for Test cricket.
STEVEN FINN 6
Speed was well down in first two Tests with no rhythm, but these guys are not machines and he is just going to be one of those cricketers who has his ups and downs. Once he gets wickets and his confidence goes up, his speed goes up and, at his best, he would always be in my England team.
JIMMY ANDERSON 9.5
In May and June against an inexperienced Sri Lanka side with a Duke ball I expected him to bowl as outstandingly well as he has done. He’s a genius. He’s as quick as he’s ever been, his movement is as late as it’s ever been and his variations from inswing to outswing are phenomenal. He’s getting better and better.