Series in short: how the players rated

England

Andrew Strauss

Gets extra point for his captaincy, growing in authority and respect. Not exactly out of form with the bat but needs to convert his starts. 7/10

Alastair Cook

His epic innings at Edgbaston apart, a quiet series for England's run machine, with no other fifties. But his appetite is not diminishing. 7

Jonathan Trott

Injured his shoulder at Nottingham, but without typically fighting 70 at Lord's the match and series might have had a different story to tell. 6

Kevin Pietersen

Where are the idiots who questioned his durability? Hanging their heads in shame, every one. Pietersen is revived, better than for three years. 9

Ian Bell

Beginning to achieve everything they said he could achieve. Potential great, has added maturity and steel to the enviable natural gifts. 9

Eoin Morgan

Work in progress with whom England rightly will be patient. Not at his best but Nottingham century was tribute to his conviction. 7

Matt Prior

Sometimes said that this team's only shortcoming is lack of an all-rounder. No it isn't. Prior is it, now the world's top wicketkeeper-batsman. 9

Tim Bresnan

Seamless replacement for Tremlett. All you imagine a tough Yorkshire cricketer to be, and has authentic all-rounder potential. 8

Stuart Broad

Came roaring back to defy critics bemoaning shortage of wickets, as high-class players do. Learnt from mistakes, which is also what they do. Man of series. 9

Graeme Swann

Unproductive, under-employed series for the world's top spinner – until he had something to work with at The Oval and immediately produced. Those who doubted are nincompoops. 6

Jimmy Anderson

Master manipulator who revels in his role, usually took the wickets when they were needed and no longer has to rely on swinging conditions to work his magic. 9

Chris Tremlett

Played full, important part at Lord's when he got injured. Adds important quality of intimidating bounce but not assured of regaining place. 7

Ravi Bopara

In no-win situation when replacing Trott, and under immediate pressure. At least his cameo at The Oval will ensure selectors keep faith. 5

India

Mahendra Singh Dhoni

Frequently off the pace as captain, often found wanting as batsman, hopeless as wicketkeeper. Busy year, though, and may be a different proposition in India next time. 5/10

Virender Sehwag

Awarded his high mark for previous services rendered. Out of form, thereby showing that even the best need practice. Gone home for medical treatment. 2

Gautam Gambhir

For whatever reason, did not seem to have much appetite for the fray. Injured but desperately lacking on English pitches. 4

Rahul Dravid

A prince among batsmen and men. To have played with his stoicism and grace in these circumstances showed why he has stayed at the top so long. 10

Sachin Tendulkar

Never looked at home despite a series of standing ovations and a poor series only partly redeemed by his last-ditch 91. 6

VVS Laxman

One of the great players of this generation but here he looked listless as well as hapless against the moving ball in English conditions. 4

Suresh Raina

Weak against the short-pitched and seaming ball, an issue he must address to have the future that is predicted for him. 4

Harbhajan Singh

Like Swann, a spinner hardly used early on – and then injury at Nottingham left him no chance to make atonement. 5

Praveen Kumar

Spirited and skilful performer with the ball but he will need to step up his pace to achieve any enduring success. 7

Amit Mishra

Had success as a batsman in the final match but proved disappointing with his leg spin, which never troubled these opponents 5

Abhinav Mukund

Out of his depth in these conditions against this side. May bounce back – at 21, time is on his side in this team of greying greats. 3

Ishant Sharma

Occasionally showed flashes of what he is capable of with the ball but much too inaccurate to apply proper pressure. 5

Sreesanth

The feisty individual of yore was absent and it affected every aspect of his bowling. Never threatened. 4

Zaheer Khan

What might have been. Briefly at Lord's his left-arm swing looked menacing but like too many of the others he was not fit enough and was also injured. 6

Yuvraj Singh

England's least-favourite Indian cricketer, briefly shone at Nottingham but then got injured. 6