The Ashes: Opener Zak Crawley leads the way in England player ratings from fourth Test

It’s the game their own weather cost them. England’s Ashes hopes drowned out despite dominating the fourth Test and almost swinging the door wide open for a London decider.

Here is how every England player fared.

Zak Crawley 9.5: Now that’s what Bazball is all about! Powerful and unrelenting. Crawley produced a break-out 189 at more than a run-a-ball to bat Australia into submission on the second day. His height means nothing is pretty or compact but he launches into these blistering drives if bowlers dare over-pitch. It was an impressive knock and deserved to be a winning one.

Chris Woakes 8: It looked like their pace stocks would be the biggest problem facing English selectors this series, but now they are just kicking themselves they didn’t unleash Woakes and Mark Wood earlier. Five wickets in the first innings at less than three-an-over, claiming David Warner and then clattering through the middle-order. Got Warner again in the second.

Joe Root 7.5: The former captain just looks like he’s having fun when England are throwing caution to the wind. Nailed 84 striking at almost 90, with England’s only total the obvious difference in the game. Who would have thought he’d ever become this sort of player? Bowled smartly too to eventually dislodge the well-set Marnus Labuschagne.

Jonny Bairstow 7.5: He’s in the side to make runs — because he’s certainly not there to keep wickets — and finally England got some pay off with his 99. He nursed the tail-end like his captain does so well and his quick hands went to work against a tired attack. At what cost it came is an interesting point, but that’s not on him. Keeping still leaves plenty to be desired and don’t get sucked into to the acrobatics to dismiss Mitch Marsh — his feet should have taken him to the ball.

Harry Brook 7: Came to the crease during their best period of the match and left with Australia out of the contest. Slightly more circumspect inning from him at No. 5 — where he is clearly at his best — and let his mates go to work around him for 61 off 100 balls before falling to Mitchell Starc.

Mark Wood 6.5: There’s just nothing in cricket like genuine pace and right now Wood might be England’s most valuable asset. Has had batters jumping since his very first over in the series and took three second innings wickets, the star trio of Usman Khawaja — who he has troubled relentlessly — Steve Smith and Travis Head.

Moeen Ali 6: Batting the recently-retired veteran at three is the best of a bad bunch of options for England, but it allows everyone else in the side to play where they’re best suited. It’s the sort of selection call Australia would never be brave enough to make. Made 54 in the position as it became clear the visitors were in for a nightmare day. Bowling still isn’t quite there though and he took one wicket from 30 overs for the Test.

Ben Stokes 5.5: Posted a half-century as his side wore away at an Australian attack running out of steam on days two and three before his counterpart got him eventually. Don’t question his declarations — because he knows more about cricket than you (apparently) — but an extra hour of bowling before the rain came sure would have been handy!

Stuart Broad 4.5: Not as effective as he has been at times this series and left his bunny Warner for Woakes to dismiss twice. Took two in the first, including a seed to trap Khawaja, and sucked Travis Head into the hook trap for his 600th wicket in Test cricket. Then went without in the second innings when early scalps might have kept them in the series.

James Anderson 3: The swing bowling legend’s spot is now in serious danger for the final match of the series after he finished with just one wicket in what some feel was a sentimental selection at his home ground. The most economical of the bowlers in the second innings but like Broad, couldn’t make the type of early inroads that might have rattled the Aussies. Josh Tongue and Ollie Robinson baring down at the selection table.

Ben Duckett 1: Two catches are the only redeeming feature of his game. Caught behind by Alex Carey off Starc for one off six balls and was the only recognised batter to finish with single figures for his team. Posted two scores at Lord’s but his best effort from the other three Tests is 23.