David Warner - 3: First foray to the crease in Tests wasn't a success and one wonders whether asking the T20 specialist to step up to this level is like expecting a good sevens player to make an instant impression in the 15 man code.
Phil Hughes - 3: The second member of Australia's most unlikely opening partnership since the days of Packer was caught in the gully off Martin in both innings. Ed Cowan must be scratching his head as to how Hughes and Warner get selected ahead of him.
Usman Khawaja - 6: Looked comfortable at the highest level once again before Ponting called him for a sharp single from the first ball after Tea. More caffeine required next time Usman.
Ricky Ponting - 7: We asked a few weeks ago if Ponting had lost his punch, but like any great former champion, if you put a sub-standard journeyman (like the Black Caps attack) in front of them they are still able to demonstrate their class. Still without a ton in 29 Test innings though and Ponting will rue the chance he let slip here.
Michael Clarke - 9: Captaincy certainly seems to sit well with Pup. He handled his inexperienced bowling attack well and with imagination and struck his third hundred in six Tests as skipper to demonstrate how he is thriving on the added responsibility. The cowed figure of the last Ashes series is now completely transformed.
Mike Hussey - 5: Almost 12 months to the day since Hussey saved his career on this ground. But he couldn't repeat the trick this time scratching around for 15 before being outfoxed by Vettori. It was small revenge for the bowler after Hussey's direct hit had left him four short of a hundred.
Brad Haddin - 7: With many observers questioning his place in the side, Haddin couldn't have asked for a better early Christmas present than this New Zealand attack and he responded with a typically brusque 80.
Peter Siddle - 6: Led the attack well on a pitch he enjoys, but part of him must be concerned that the strong performance of the young guns may put his place at risk when the likes of Harris and Cummins return. Not a number eight on this showing.
James Pattinson - 9: Recovered from a chastening first over in Test cricket to decimate the Kiwis 2nd innings and show that the future of the Australian bowling attack is not just about Pat Cummins. It would seem that just like Labour party did in choosing Ed over David, England picked the wrong brother.
Mitchell Starc - 6: Was expensive and a bit wayward - well what do you expect from a left arm bowler called Mitchell? But did enough on debut to suggest there could be more to come. Useful runs too.
Nathan Lyon - 9: Hugely impressive again. Got flight, turn and bounce throughout and troubled all of the New Zealand batsmen. After having had more spin doctors than Tony Blair had in his 10 years as Prime Minister, Australia finally seemed to have found a suitable (if purely mortal) replacement for that bloke called Shane.
Where next?
1st Test: Australia vs New Zealand - New Zealand marks out of 10
Has Ricky Ponting lost his punch?
2nd Test: South Africa v Australia - Australia marks out of 10
1st Test: South Africa v Australia - Australia marks out of 10
Ashes 2010/11: Australia series marks out of 10
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