Player ratings: Black Caps v Australia

Ross Taylor celebrates his double century at Perth, one of the highlights of the New Zealand tour of Australia. Photo / Getty

New Zealand test series ratings following the 2-0 series defeat to Australia.

Tom Latham: A steady series but when set in Adelaide on 50 at the first break, was out immediately after the resumption. Unable to kick onto a big one in the three tests but looked the part. 5

Martin Guptill: Disappointing. Still working out the variables between the red and white balls. Battled gamely in Brisbane for 186 minutes over 23 as New Zealand looked to save the test. Four of his six dismissals were caught behind the wicket, the other two lbw. 3

Kane Williamson: Storming first two tests and had huge praise showered on him by Australian media, not a regular event for New Zealand cricketers. Down to earth with a thump in Adelaide. Still, he is the wicket opponents most want. 8.5

Ross Taylor: Monumental 290 in Perth the standout. Was scratchy in Brisbane, while he got started in both innings in Adelaide but cut down at 21 and 32.8

Brendon McCullum: A rapid 80 at Brisbane was the standout. A wild slash in Adelaide when stability was needed after two wickets had fallen in eight balls the low point. Inspired fielding throughout got its own reward in Australia's first innings at Adelaide. 5

BJ Watling: An ordinary series. His glovework was untidy at times, regulation balls were spilled, but a couple of slick catches. With the bat he scored a meagre 83 runs at 16.6. Not good enough. 4

Jimmy Neesham: Re-injured his back in the first test. Despatched home. No luck. 2

Mitchell Santner: Made an intriguing debut at Adelaide. Batted impressively, bowled tidily, took one fine running catch in the deep, but spilled a sitter at mid wicket on the final afternoon. One to watch. 6

Mark Craig: Tough tour. Was taken apart by Australia's quick-footed batsmen in the first two tests. Best moment came just before the tea break on day two at Adelaide, when he removed Steve Smith and Peter Siddle in five balls to have Australian freefalling at 109 for seven. Safe hands at slip, batting useful, averaged 22.75, but could be worth more. 4

Doug Bracewell: Got better as the series went on. Highly impressive at Adelaide, and useful runs. A good return. 6

Tim Southee: A back niggle was a setback in Brisbane, but bounced back to be the pick of the attack in Perth. Bowled better with the pink ball in Adelaide than his return suggests. 6

Trent Boult: His back problems reduced his effectiveness in the first two tests but he roared back with the pink ball on the final day of the series. His spell came within a couple of wickets of helping pull off a win. 6

Matt Henry: Played just the second test, which was bad luck. A batting road. Honest toiler, with an occasional inspired moment. 5