Michael Clarke

A-

Clarke’s 187 in the first innings was exactly the kind of knock the Australian’s needed to see from their captain, as he took the fight to the England attack.

While it was far from a chance-less innings, Clarke did more than enough to remind everybody why he has been, arguably, the best Test batsman in the world in the past two years.

A series average of 63.8 is much better after his slow start of just 23 runs from the first Test at Trent Bridge.

His captaincy has generally been what his side has needed, with bowling a fielding changes often bringing about a wicket.

Criticism of his decision not to declare sooner at Old Trafford is unfounded, as hindsight often clears what was a muggy forecast.