India series averages Feedback - what do you think?

A Test series which began with a comprehensive defeat at Lord's kept getting better, and Sourav Ganguly and his team can look back in satisfaction after a long tour. The batting was magnificent, and while the bowling attack was at least one strike bowler short, India still came away with an outcome they would have taken before they started the tour. An end-of-term report on the players who shone, and those who didn't.

10 – Rahul Dravid Undoubtedly India's Player of the Series. His Bradmanesque average of 100.33 was just reward for his exceptional skill and technical purity. It wasn't just the runs he scored, but the manner in which he got them that was outstanding. India lost an early wicket five times in six innings, but Dravid's immaculate batsmanship soothed dressing-room nerves immediately. His double-century at The Oval was classy, but his best effort was certainly the matchwinning 148 he scored under testing conditions at Headingley. Dravid's slip-catching was first-rate too, save a couple of blemishes in the third Test. He is no longer India's best supporting act; he can comfortably lay claims to being their main man, especially on tours.

8 – Sachin Tendulkar There were plenty of question-marks raised about his form, but after a poor start at Lord's, Tendulkar answered his critics in emphatic fashion. His 92 at Trent Bridge merely whetted the appetite for the big one, and it duly arrived at Headingley – a magnificent 192 which shut England out of the match. A tally of 401 runs in six innings brooks no argument, and he conclusively proved that his lean series in the West Indies was an aberration.

8 – Sanjay Bangar The unsung hero of the Indian line-up, Bangar was drafted in after less-than-impressive displays by the openers and the seam bowlers, and performed far beyond expectations in both departments. He looked the part as an opener - his 68 at Headingley was worth more than a century - while he bowled with admirable discipline and control, finishing on top of the bowling averages. India have found an able, honest and committed cricketer; they need to persist with him.

8 – Sourav Ganguly His batting form continued from where it had left off in the West Indies – he crossed the half-century mark four times in six innings in this series, which included a sparkling century in the run-fest at Headingley. His decisions to include two spinners at Headingley and bat after winning the toss were extremely bold, and showed his willingness to back the team's strengths.

7 – Anil Kumble He finally shook off the criticism of not fashioning an overseas victory, with a splendid display at Headingley. The variable bounce on the pitch was ideal for him, and Kumble exploited it superbly. He was a much lesser force at the other venues though, where the pitches were true.

7 – Harbhajan Singh Played second fiddle to Kumble at Headingley, but was more threatening at The Oval, where he took his ninth five-for. He came up with useful contributions down the order too.

6 – Virender Sehwag Started the series with a bang, with a century and 84 in the first two Tests, but fell victim to his impetuosity in the last two Tests. When on song, he can snatch the game away from the opposition, but his tendency to flail outside off gave the Indian opening an iffy look.

6 – VVS Laxman Was one of the few bright sparks at Lord's, but faded away as the series progressed. His dismissal to an irresponsible pull shot in the second innings at Trent Bridge gave England a glimmer, while he scratched a painstaking 40 on a flat pitch at The Oval. His fielding at second slip was a mixed bag.

6 – Parthiv Patel Impressed everyone with his technique behind the stumps, and his gutsy attitude in front of them. His innings of 19 not out was crucial in India saving the second Test. Needs to work on his fitness though – he visibly flagged late on the fourth day of the Headingley Test.

6 – Zaheer Khan Bowled with fire and zest throughout, but tended to do better in his later spells than with the new ball. A bowling average touching 44 didn't do him justice, but he needs to tighten up if he is to become a real force as India 's premier strike bowler.

5 – Ajay Ratra Performed adequately as a wicketkeeper, but continued to disappoint with the bat, finishing at the bottom of the averages table with 10 runs in three innings. Needs to work on his batting if he is to stave off the challenge posed by Parthiv.

4 – Ajit Agarkar A batting average of 42 was impressive, but a bowling average of 61 was not. His century at Lord's saved him from getting the axe, but he flopped in the job he was essentially required to do – take wickets with his seam bowling. Is far from a certainty in the team for future series.

3 – Wasim Jaffer Started the series as India's premier opener, but found himself out in the cold after two Tests. His defensive technique on the front foot was far from convincing, and it's an area he needs to tighten considerably if he harbours hopes of an extended international career.

2 – Ashish Nehra Was touted as India's best bet in conditions which were expected to suit him perfectly, but came a cropper. His inability to swing the ball meant he was hardly a threat, and, not surprisingly, he found himself warming the benches after two Tests in which he took five wickets at nearly 64. S Rajesh is sub editor of Wisden.com in India.

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