By Paresh Soni

BBC Sport runs the rule over both Ashes teams after England's thrilling two-run win over Australia in the second Test.

Michael Vaughan Looked to be finding form in the first innings but lost his off-stump again second time around, giving rise to more concern about a technical flaw. Brilliantly pro-active as captain, keeping pressure on Australia with good field settings and bowler rotation. But he allowed the grip to loosen before England squeezed out the victory.

Ricky Ponting Produced a blistering counter-attack in the first innings but was given a torrid time by Flintoff on Saturday and had no answer. Could not think of a way to contain England's rampant strokeplay on day one, or Flintoff's third-day assault - placing everyone on the boundary was an act of desperation rather than calculated planning.

Marcus Trescothick Looked like a prisoner released in the first innings, knowing McGrath was out injured, and played fluently before squandering an opportunity for a century. A loose shot helped Lee build the momentum Australia wanted on Saturday but he made amends with two good catches, the first an absolute stunner.

Matthew Hayden Went for the first golden duck of his Test career in the first innings, falling into the trap set by Vaughan and Hoggard. Again looked out of touch in his second knock and the question is how long will Australia stay loyal to someone who looks a shadow of his former self?

Andrew Strauss No problem with the pacemen in England's first innings but, as at Lord's, seemed to have little idea about how to deal with Warne. Bamboozled by Warne's wonder ball on Friday evening and, although he was sharp in the field, plenty of work is required with England's "spin machine" in the next three days.

Justin Langer A rock in the first innings, showing plenty of bravery against the fiery Harmison, and played sensibly before being undone by a good Jones yorker. Looked comfortable in the second innings too, before an inspired Flintoff accounted for him. He remains in good nick.

Kevin Pietersen Provided more evidence that a long and successful Test career lies ahead. Joined Flintoff in launching a fierce assault in the first innings before playing one shot too many with the tail. Looked a class act second time around too, despite the clatter of wickets around him, and treated Warne with contempt before getting a rough decision.

Damien Martyn Looked to have few problems in the first innings before a smart piece of fielding from Vaughan ran him out. Got another good start in the second innings before hitting a half-volley from Hoggard straight to mid-wicket. Excellent in the field but needs to show more concentration when batting.

Ian Bell The stage was set for him on his home ground but he got a good delivery from Kasprowicz after making six off his first two balls. He was coming to terms with playing the world champions second time around when he was the victim of another poor decision. Much better than the first Test but needs to make a score at Old Trafford for his own confidence.

Michael Clarke Showed signs of his undoubted class while easing to 40 on Friday, but one of a host of Australians to give his wicket away. While he was there on Saturday evening, the tourists had hopes of winning but after getting involved in some heated banter with Flintoff, he was flummoxed by Harmison's slower ball. Nonetheless, he is growing in confidence.

Andrew Flintoff Simply magnificent. Produced a swashbuckling effort with the bat on day one before wrapping up the Aussie first innings with two spearing yorkers. More big-hitting on day three, taking his total of sixes to nine - equalling Botham's record. Then came a lion-hearted effort with the ball - has he ever bowled quicker? - to inspire England to a thrilling victory.

Simon Katich He is suddenly under pressure after a poor effort with the bat - a weak shot saw him perish to Flintoff the first time of asking. Followed that up with another soft dismissal during Australia's collapse on day three. With Australia possibly playing two spinners at Old Trafford, he could be sacrificed.

Geraint Jones His keeping was much better but he failed both times with the bat, although it did not matter as much this time. He came under tremendous scrutiny following some poor glovework at Lord's but he bounced back well and made few glaring errors.

Adam Gilchrist Seven catches behind the wicket show he is having no problems with that side of the game. Ran out of partners in the first innings after playing within himself but gave it away with a dreadful shot off Giles when Australia needed him to produce something special in their chase.

Ashley Giles After being down in the dumps and outspoken following a miserable first Test, he responded in fine fashion on his home ground. There was more zip to his bowling and he looked chirpy and full of energy out on the field. He took five more wickets than the Aussies said he would have in the entire series.

Shane Warne At his magical best - who will forget the delivery to dismiss Strauss - and carried the Australian attack in McGrath's absence. Ten wickets for the match takes him to 599 Test victims. Typically aggressive with the bat but also typically crazy at times - witness the wild heave in his first innings. Still, he did not deserve to be on the losing side.

Matthew Hoggard Once again looked innocuous, failing to generate much swing and too wayward for his captain's liking. His two wickets were down to bad shots than his own skill and there must be serious question marks about his place in the team on this form.

Brett Lee Very expensive in the first innings - he went for six and a half runs an over - and let England get off to a flier. He was much better on Saturday, bowling with plenty of pace and hostility to prove a good ally for Warne, and almost won the game with a courageous batting display.

Steve Harmison Plenty of fire again but England's pace spearhead was off target far too often until the stunning slower ball to remove Clarke late on day three. He gave it everything on Sunday but was running out of ideas until Kasprowicz gloved him to Jones to keep the series very much alive.

Jason Gillespie A pale imitation of the once lively pace bowler that used to cause England so many problems. The batsmen seem to have so much more time to play him. McGrath's injury should have been a signal for him to step up but more performances like this and young Shaun Tait could be handed a chance.

Simon Jones Continues to bowl some very good deliveries - but plenty of bad ones too - making his captain reluctant to throw him the ball. He enjoyed himself with his batting but was prone to sloppiness in the field - the drop off Kasprowicz nearly cost England the game.

Michael Kasprowicz Capitalised on England's cavalier strokeplay to pick up three wickets after McGrath's injury handed him an unexpected chance. But he was simply hapless in the face of Flintoff's barrage on Saturday. He almost redeemed himself with a plucky last-innings knock.