First Test ratings

By Scott Heinrich

BBC Sport runs the rule over both Ashes teams after Australia's 239-run win over England in the first Test.

CAPTAINS

Michael Vaughan Just seven runs in two innings from Vaughan, who did nothing to assuage Australia's suspicion he is not the same batsman who tormented them in the 2002-03 series. As captain, he attacked as he should have on day one but could do little as the tide turned Australia's way - certainly, he cannot do the catching for his troops.

Ricky Ponting Roughed up by Steve Harmison in the first innings - he has the scar to prove it - but fared better with 42 in the second innings. Was at pains to keep Australia on the offensive when England came at them early on, but it does not take a genius to toss Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne the ball when you need wickets.

OPENING BATSMEN

Marcus Trescothick Ousted cheaply by Glenn McGrath in the first innings, but was not alone on that front and was one of 17 wickets to fall on a bizarre first day. Admirably saw off the new ball second time around and looked good for a big score before being outfoxed for 44 by Shane Warne.

Matthew Hayden Hayden's penchant for the drive is as much a weakness as a strength, and England have capitalised on this all summer. Matthew Hoggard bowled him through the gate to make the all-important first breakthrough, and he played on to Andrew Flintoff in the second innings, albeit for a more promising 34.

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Andrew Strauss Would have wanted a better Ashes bow at his home ground, but scores of two and 37 is nothing to write home about. Dazzled by McGrath on Thursday before showing a better attitude next time. But again removed by Brett Lee and still room for plenty of improvement.

Justin Langer Just about the only batsman to look comfortable on the first day, and played a number of smashing cover drives after copping a painful blow to the elbow second ball. Foolishly run out by a Kevin Pietersen direct hit next time, but after a tour match century is clearly in good fettle.

MIDDLE-ORDER BATSMEN

Kevin Pietersen Sparkling and mature with the bat and might have scored a century on Test debut were it not for the fallibility of his team-mates. Pietersen's aggressive handling of McGrath and Warne sets an example for the rest, but let the team down with three dropped catches. His reprieve of Michael Clarke was unforgivable.

Damien Martyn No show in the first innings but one half of the fourth-wicket stand in the second that took the game out of England's reach. His 138-ball 65 in partnership with Michael Clarke was tailor-made for the situation and a knock befitting a senior player.

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Ian Bell A dreadful showing from Bell, who looked overawed by the occasion in his first Test against Australia. Picked off with worrying ease by McGrath and then Warne for single-figure scores, and England must hope he has learned from the experience.

Michael Clarke Turned around another poor effort in the first innings with a dashing 91 second time around, though was given a life by Pietersen on 21. Capitalised on that pardon in no uncertain terms to punish England, and will take great confidence from his upturn in fortunes.

NUMBER SIX

Andrew Flintoff Lacklustre and ineffective, Freddie's maiden Test against Australia was supposed to be so much more than this. A big positive was his removal of Adam Gilchrist in each innings but he leaked runs and dropped a catch in the second, while more no-balls (14) than runs (three) in the match tells its own story.

Simon Katich Looked assured and helped put some respectability into Australia's first-innings score when another wicket could have spelled doom. Followed that up with a resolute 67 in the second dig which marshalled the tail and deflated England.

WICKET-KEEPERS

Geraint Jones It was feared that Jones' keeping flaws would be exposed in the pressure-cooker of an Ashes Test and he made errors, none worse than the one-handed boob that reprieved Jason Gillespie. Showed a lot of heart with 30 in the first innings, but none at all when throwing his wicket away on day four with a rain-affected draw still an outside chance.

Adam Gilchrist Desperate to exert himself with the bat, and got a start in the first innings, but Flintoff had his measure from around the wicket. He will need to work on his set-up at the crease to counter this apparent flaw, but no problems at all on the glovework front.

SPIN BOWLERS

Ashley Giles Not needed in the first innings, Giles was ruthlessly dealt with in Australia's second innings and conceded 56 runs in 11 wicketless overs from each side of the wicket. Failed to provide his customary support at number eight with scores of 11 and nought.

Shane Warne What time has taken from Warne's repertoire he has replaced with the guile and stealth of a wounded fox. Only Pietersen could read the leg-spinner - the fact he reverted to around the wicket speaks volumes - and the rest were like rabbits staring at a headlight.

PACE BOWLERS

Matthew Hoggard Not great and not terrible from Hoggard, who failed to swing the ball much and therefore was less of a threat. The Yorkshireman was not overly expensive, though, and was not his team's worst player.

Glenn McGrath Age is not wearying this lethal customer, who celebrated his 500th Test wicket by running through England on the opening day. Failed to have the same effect in the second innings though showed the correct way to bowl at the tail to claim a nine-wicket match haul, and even did a job with the bat.

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Steve Harmison Positively menacing on day one and physically hurt each of Australia's top three en route to figures of 5-43. Just as good in the second innings, and very economical to boot, but he could not go it alone and it was to England's cost that he was not supported.

Jason Gillespie Once frightening, Gillespie was a passenger at Lord's and his wicket drought shows no sign of relenting - he could not get one when they were giving them away on Thursday. Barely used in the second innings (the ultimate ignominy for a fast bowler), though occupied the crease for 52 balls when England wanted to wrap up Australia's second dig.

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Simon Jones Suffered from inconsistency and gave cheap runs away too often, but when he was good he was very good. Did for Martyn and Clarke in a fine spell on Thursday, however lost his radar when things got away from England on day three and was sparingly used by his skipper.

Brett Lee A successful return to Test action following an 18-month break, and provided Australia's pace attack with the grunt he was recalled to supply. Bowled fast and picked up five match wickets, while his duel with Pietersen was compelling viewing.

OVERALL: ENGLAND 59 - 72 AUSTRALIA