England v Pakistan player ratings: How did the home team fare in the four-match Test series?

We take a look at how England's cricketers performed across all four Test matches

Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq and England captain Alastair Cook share the series trophy after the 4th Investec Test (Getty)

After a frenetic 32 days – jam-packed with four Test matches – England and Pakistan’s contest ends with honours even, the Investec Series all square at 2-2. In a closely fought battle, the tourists seemed to save their best for the capital, routing England on both sides of London, but comfortably outplayed as soon as the action moved anywhere north of the Watford Gap.

After the high of their against-the-odds victory in Birmingham last week, this was a jolt back to reality for England whose quest to be the side holding all nine bilateral Test trophies – something of a made-up achievement it has to be said – fell at the final hurdle. Defeat at The Oval also means that for the time being their ambitions of returning to No.1 in the ICC Test Rankings will have to wait.

For some of the side, this was a series to remember, for others it was a nightmare – here we look at how the team performed across the four matches and how that might affect their touring prospects this winter.

England

Alastair Cook - 8/10

Batting – Runs: 423, High Score: 105, Average: 60.42

England’s skipper led from the front with the bat and looks back to his best with three 50s and a century in the series. Will need to carry on in the same vein if England are to have any success this winter.

Alex Hales - 3

Batting – Runs: 145, HS: 54, Av: 18.12

A fairly disastrous series for England’s eighth different opener since Andrew Strauss. However looked perhaps a little better than the statistics would suggest and enjoyed a decent series earlier in the summer against Sri Lanka so should be persisted with…for now.

Alex Hales of England bats during day three of the 4th Investec Test (Getty)

Joe Root - 8

Batting – Runs: 512, HS: 254, Av: 73.14

Bowling – 1 wicket, Av: 27

Finally shifted up to number three in the order, the move proved to be a success as he continued to establish himself as one of cricket’s leading batsman with a sparkling double hundred at Old Trafford. He remains such a crucial player for England.

James Vince - 2

Batting – Runs: 158, HS: 42, Av: 22.57

Sadly looks out of his depth at this level and was fortunate not to be dropped before the end of the series. For his own sake as much as anything should not be included in England’s Test plans this winter.

Gary Ballance - 4

Batting – Runs: 195, HS: 70, Av: 27.85

Failed to cement his place in the side having earned a recall, but has showed glimpses that he has what it takes to succeed at this level and deserves more of a run in the side.

Jonny Bairstow - 8

Batting – Runs: 366, HS: 83, Av: 52.28

Another fine series from the Yorkshireman who is having quite a year. Now one of England’s most reliable performers with the bat. Also showed signs as the series wore on that his glovework is improving which is as encouraging as it is important for England.

Jonathan Bairstow of England bats during day four of the 4th Investec Test (Getty)

Moeen Ali - 7

Batting – Runs: 316, HS: 108, Av: 63.20

Bowling – 11 wickets, Av: 46.54

After a horror dismissal at Lord’s, rediscovered his touch with the bat and remains a brilliant man to have lower down the order. Is however very much a batsman who can bowl and not the other way round as England really require – could do with working with a permanent spin bowling coach, something England still inexplicably don’t have. Looks set to be a key player this winter.

Chris Woakes - 9

Batting – Runs: 177, HS: 58, Av: 35.40

Bowling – 26 wickets, Av: 16.73

The best thing to come out of Birmingham since the electric kettle, Woakes had a stellar series, dominating with the ball and providing very useful lower order runs. Such an improved cricketer and looks to have a very promising England future.

Stuart Broad - 6

Batting – Runs: 36, HS: 17, Av: 7.20

Bowling – 13 wickets, Av: 28.61

Not his greatest series as he struggled to hit the same heights with the ball that he has over the last few years. Could perhaps do with being rested for the Bangladesh series.

Steven Finn - 5

Batting – 48 runs, HS: 16*, Av: 24

Bowling – 5 wickets, Av: 70.40

Struggled to find his best form in the series, coming in and out of the side. Picked up an injury right at the end of the final Test which just about summed up his summer.

Steve Finn of England hits a four during day two of the 3rd Investec Test match (Getty)

James Anderson - 7

Batting – Runs: 28, HS: 17, Av: 14

Bowling – 9 wickets, Av: 25.66

Still such an important member of this side although perhaps didn't star quite as much as England would have hoped.

Jake Ball - 6

Batting – 7 runs, HS: 4, Av: 3.50

Bowling – 1 wicket, Av: 88

Unlucky that the return of Anderson from injury meant he dropped out of the side following a promising debut. Faces a scrap for a place on England’s tours this winter, particularly with Nark Wood returning from injury.

Ben Stokes - N/A

Picked up an injury in his only game of the series, but will surely slot back into the side as soon as he is available again.