Ben Stokes ‘a broken man’ as England stars embarrassed in Adelaide – Ashes player ratings from Steve Harmison 

England’s BazBall era may well be over following yet another torrid Ashes in Australia.

A miserable tour Down Under has resulted in a series loss with just three Test matches played following an 82 run win for the hosts in Adelaide.

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Australia secured two blow-out victories in Perth and Brisbane and, while England put up something of a fight at the Adelaide Oval, the Aussies wrapped up victory on Day 5 to reclaim the urn.

England now face some serious questions after a tour that has been littered with negativity both on and off the field.

The futures of captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum are now up in the air and the post-mortem will be long and painful.

talkSPORT has been right across the 2025/26 Ashes Series and England legend Steve Harmison has given his playing ratings for the action in Adelaide…

Zak Crawley – 7

Crawley could only muster nine in the first innings but responded well with a determined 85 on Day 5.

Speaking on talkSPORT’s Following On: Ashes Inquest, Harmison said: “I think Zak has been very good, in that second innings, I thought it was a good innings.

“I can’t give anyone more than seven because we just lost the Ashes.”

Ben Duckett – 4

Duckett hit just 33 runs in the Test and has yet to reach 100 in his six Ashes innings this winter.

Harmison declined to elaborate on his ranking for the opener.

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Ollie Pope – 4

Like Duckett, Pope was poor again in Adelaide, scoring just 20 runs in the match.

Joe Root – 5

So often England’s hero, Root failed to leave a lasting impression on the third Test.

Harmison said: “You’d expect a bit more from Joe because he got 39 in that second innings.”

Harry Brook – 5

Brook made good starts in both innings but was unable to push on.

“Harry got in, he should do better,” Harmison added.

Ben Stokes – 7

Harmison was impressed with Stokes’ display, hailing his effort in another losing cause.

On the skipper, he said: “Stokes, he will be top of the tree. He’s pushed his body to the limits yet again, he was a broken man.

“He top scored at the end too.”

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Jamie Smith – 7

Harmison has a lot to say about Smith and hopes England continue to put their faith in him despite a difficult few weeks.

He said: “A lot has been made of Jamie Smith but I think he’s a great kid. 

“He is someone who, when all is said and done, we’ll look at and think was he conditioned and ready for five tests. 

“He’s a big lad, he looks heavy on his feet, he’s not the most vocal and if you’re not good with the chat, don’t do it. 

“I feel sorry for Jamie Smith and we have to stick with him.”

Will Jacks – 6

The tail did well for England in both innings as they tried to salvage the match.

“Jacks fought brilliantly, if only the top order could fight like the bottom order,” Harmison said.

“He tried his best and pushed his limits.”

Jofra Archer – 7

Probably England’s best player in Adelaide, Archer performed well with the ball and bat.

“He got a fiver in the first innings, he’s given everything he possibly can,” Harmison added.

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Brydon Carse – 5

Carse claimed five wickets in the match but also went for a lot of runs.

Harmison said: “He got wickets, he got runs at the end. But was expensive.”

Josh Tongue – 6

And finally, Harmison is hoping to see more of Tongue this winter in the final two remaining matches.

“He got better and better and I look forward to watching him in Melbourne and Sydney,” Harmison concluded.