Pat Cummins – One of the captain’s best matches across all three disciplines (batting, bowling and captaincy). Made more runs (90) than in any other Test, to go with match figures of 6-117. Bowling changes worked a treat and must take credit for Australia’s tactics, particularly how they batted and controlled the match. Removed India’s top three in the second innings. 9.5/10

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Mitchell Starc – Bowled through the pain in an impressive manner. Showed how tough he was, even though match figures of 1-111 weren’t what he would have hoped for. Sent them down at a decent pace. Will be interesting to see if he’s fit for Sydney. 6/10

Nathan Lyon – Had just three wickets in the first three Tests of this series but picked up five at the MCG. His last – Mohammed Siraj, trapped in front – will be replayed for years to come. Made a crucial 41 in the second innings – – his equal second-highest score in Tests. 8.5/10

Scott Boland – Returned match figures of 6-96 in a superb return to the Australian XI. Continued his fabulous record at the MCG and bowled with the crowd behind him all match. Attacked the stumps and continues to have a knack of taking wickets in the first over of a spell. His 15 not out off 74 balls would have been mighty satisfying. 9/10

India

Yashasvi Jaiswal – After two quiet Tests, this was an excellent performance by India’s new batting prince, who held their top order together in the first innings and showed tremendous fight in the second. Lost a mark for his run-out and dropped chances. 8/10

Rohit Sharma – The India captain looks done as a Test cricketer. Two poor shots, the second of which opened the door for a top-order collapse. His captaincy seems to go little further than “give the ball to Bumrah”. Should be dropped for the Sydney Test. 1/10

K.L. Rahul – There are times as a batter when you can do not much wrong and end up with two low scores. This was one of them. Took a Pat Cummins special to bowl him in the first innings, and another gem to get him on the final day. Shouldn’t lose any confidence from this game. 3/10

Virat Kohli – Another game, and another two dismissals to catches behind the wicket to India’s batting great, who was a magnet for controversy. Left the ball with discipline on the second afternoon until he lost concentration after the shambolic run out and sparred outside off stump. It’s time he warehoused the cover drive, like Sachin Tendulkar did in 2004. 3.5/10

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Rishabh Pant – Yes, it’s the way he plays but the wicketkeeper will wince looking back at his two dismissals. The scoop was reckless and his heave at Travis Head’s long hop sparked the dramatic game-deciding collapse. Credit for consoling Yashasvi Jaiswal after his drops. 4/10

Ravindra Jadeja – Solid with the ball in unfavourable conditions by India’s spin great but did not look comfortable at all with the bat in either innings. Watch for him to rebound strongly in Sydney. 5/10

Nitish Kumar Reddy – The young all-rounder etched his name in Boxing Day Test folklore with a memorable century that brought his team back into the contest. His bowling needs work, but he’s good enough to hold down No.6 and be a key part in the next generation of Indian cricket. 8/10

Washington Sundar – The heir apparent to Ravichandran Ashwin, Washington is far more accomplished with the bat than he is with his off-spin at this stage of his career. Battled hard in India’s first-innings revival and was unconquered in the run chase. A more experienced head may have protected the tail better. 6/10

Jasprit Bumrah – Indian cricket has a new king. Bumrah is the reason why the visitors can still return home with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy despite being outplayed in three games. Up to 30 wickets after his nine in this game. Deserved better than being one of the final wickets to fall in a lost cause. 10/10

Akash Deep – The Test newcomer has bowled much better than his figures show. At some point, the plays and misses and false shots will result in snicks that find the hands of fielders. 5/10

Mohammed Siraj – After a disappointing first innings, the series’ pantomime villain played an important role in India’s revival. His wickets of Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith opened the door for Bumrah to come storming through. 5.5/10

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