A LOOK AT THE AUSTRALIAN PLAYERS' PERFORMANCES IN THE TEST SERIES AGAINST NEW ZEALAND
Steve Smith
51 runs at 12.8, highest score 31
It's tough at the top: one start and three failures after an underwhelming T20 series. With no IPL, thankfully the schedule offers Smith a long break ahead.
Usman Khawaja
88 runs at 22, highest score 33
Outlasted Smith in every innings, but didn't last much longer. At 37, questions will come for the opener's future after a summer with just two half-centuries in 14 innings.
Marnus Labuschagne
99 runs at 24.8, highest score 90
0 wickets (nine runs from one over)
Answered Wellington critics with a super knock in Christchurch, scoring 45 either side of stumps on day one. No resistance to debutant Ben Sears in the second innings. The less said about the one over he bowled the better.
Cameron Green
238 runs at 79.3, highest score 174*
3 wickets at 28.3 (18 overs)
The outstanding batter in the series with an unbeaten 174 in the Aussies' 172-run victory in Wellington. Fell to two red-hot bowlers in Christchurch. Promising signs from the new No.4.
Travis Head
69 runs at 17.3, highest score 29
1 wicket at 17 (6 overs)
No impact with the bat and so rash on day four at Hagley Oval, lasting just four balls when a considered dig was required. Part-time spin picked up a wicket in Wellington.
Mitch Marsh
120 runs at 30, highest score 80
1 wicket at 39 (13 overs)
Marsh played two meritorious supporting hands: 40 in Wellington, which helped light a fire under Green for his huge century, then partnering Alex Carey in Christchurch. Useful with the ball.
Alex Carey
125 runs at 41.7, highest score 98*
Looked set for a long winter of scrutiny until his mighty Hagley Oval almost-century anchored Australia home. Continued his strong form - though not flawless - behind the stumps.
Mitchell Starc
49 runs at 12.3, highest score 28
5 wickets at 43.2 (52 overs)
Moved to 358 Test wickets in Christchurch, overtaking Dennis Lillee's all-time haul, but lacked punch in other spells. Helped out in the first innings at Hagley Oval.
Pat Cummins
79 runs at 32, highest score 32*
6 wickets at 28.3 (57 overs)
Solid if not spectacular series, finding wickets when they were most needed, most notably his 4-62 in Christchurch. Superb with the bat in the second-innings chase. Deserves credit for building the winning team spirit.
Nathan Lyon
66 runs at 22, highest score 41
13 wickets at 12.5 (53 overs)
With Green, Carey and Hazlewood, one of Australia's stars. A 10-wicket haul in Wellington and three wickets to clean up the tail in Christchurch. Even top-scored as nightwatchman at the Basin.
Josh Hazlewood
24 runs at 24, highest score 22
10 wickets at 17.6 (61 overs)
Superb series from the seamer, with a five-wicket haul in Hagley after consistent wickets in Wellington, where he also combined with Green for a century stand that drove the Kiwis mad.
