Zak Crawley: Fell foul of a freak wrist injury that ruled him out of the first two Tests, returning with a sparkling 50 before Axar Patel picked him apart. 3

Rory Burns: Gave away his best hope of a score with a silly reverse sweep in Chennai and lost his spot midway through the series. 2

Jonny Bairstow: Poorly served by England's rotation policy, he spent most of his downtime travelling and isolating before rejoining the fray for the final two Tests. Three ducks in four innings tells its own story about how that went. 2

Joe Root: Did finish with 368 runs at 46.00 – the most of any batsman from either side – and picked up remarkable figures of five for eight while filling in as second spinner. Played a part in two poor team selections but his hands were tied by the conveyor belt of changes on tour. 8

Ben Stokes: Below par with the bat, but still third among Englishmen with an average of 25.37, he lost the battle with Ravichandran Ashwin. Reminded everyone of his indomitable spirit when he stepped up to effectively lead the attack in the final Test having been given only 15 overs in the first three games. 6

Jos Buttler: England fans will have a pang of frustration when they see Buttler turning out for two months in the pink of Rajasthan Royals, after he was sent home for rest after a neat performance in the first Test. 5

Ollie Pope: Hurried back into the side on the back of his lofty reputation but offered no resistance at number six. An average of 31.92 from 17 Tests does not match expectation and he needs runs in the summer. 3

Dan Lawrence: Surprisingly recalled as a specialist number seven for the fourth Test, making a bright half-century that will surely stand him in good stead. Has also seen first-hand how hard things can be at the top. 5

Ben Foakes: Utterly magical behind the stumps, producing the kind of glovework that should make him a must-pick for any future sub-continental assignments. Had a sounder defensive method against spin than most but found scoring tricky. 6

Moeen Ali: One of the more bizarre trips by an England player in recent memory. Caught Covid-19 in Sri Lanka, recovered in time to play the second Test and bowled Virat Kohli with a wonder ball in an otherwise-mixed performance. Flew home as soon as the game was over for his scheduled break only to be caught up in a PR shocker. 5

Jack Leach: Must be etched in as England's first-choice spinner for the foreseeable future after taking 18 wickets at 28.72. His returns were not as striking as his Indian counterparts but may well have been had he been bowling at his own side. Showed control and character on helpful pitches. 7

Dom Bess: Ouch. Dropped (or rested, depending on who you listen to) after taking 17 wickets in his first three Tests of 2021. By then he had already started a worrying full-toss habit, which continued in a painful recall. England have currently lost confidence in Bess and he needs to show he has not lost it in himself. 3

James Anderson: An exceptional performance across three Tests for the 38-year-old, who has long since proved himself a master in all conditions. Produced one of the great overs in Chennai, took more wickets than any other seamer and held his economy rate at less than two throughout. 8

Jofra Archer: Showed glimpses of why England feel he can be a game changer at Test level but was essentially a peripheral part of the story. Suffered further elbow troubles. 4

Olly Stone: In just one appearance, the Warwickshire paceman did more to enhance his reputation than most of the touring party. Bowled with speed and skill, taking four scalps and almost certainly earned himself further opportunities. 6

Stuart Broad: Two games, three innings, no wickets. Broad was as good as he has ever been in 2020 but this was not the time or the place for him. 3