Australia v England

It’s a quick turn around for the Second Ashes Test as Australia heads to Adelaide one nil up in the five match series.

Australia

The Aussies will be forced to make at least one change from the side that took the field in Brisbane.  The number three ranked bowler in the world Josh Hazlewood will miss with a side injury.  Jyhe Richardson has been taughted as his likely replacement although the selectors would be giving strong consideration to Queenslander Michael Neser who performed well in the recent Australia A game against the England Lions.

Opening batsman David Warner is also under an injury cloud but by all reports is more likely than unlikely to play.  He has sore ribs and would almost certainly be replaced by Usman Khawaja were he not fit to take the field.

England

The English received plenty of criticism for their decision to leave both Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad out of their team in Brisbane. Surely both will be picked for this – they promise to be a handful for the Aussie Top Order under lights at the Adelaide Oval.

There is plenty of pressure on the English top order.  Rory Burns is in desperate need of runs after a first ball duck and just 13 in the second innings in Brisbane, as is Oli Pope who showed signs in the first innings but was out cheaply in the second.  Root was excellent in the second innings as was Dawid Malan.  However those around them struggled.  Ben Stokes lacked match practice going in and will be much better for the hit out.  It won’t surprise to see him make an impact with the bat in Adelaide.

The Wicket

The Adelaide Test was once a batters paradise, it’s now far from that with the introduction of the day night test and pink ball.  We have seen enough pink ball cricket now to know the best time to bat is during the first session of each day, then as the sun begins to set the ball will begin to seam and swing more and it becomes much more favourable for the bowling side.  No rain is expected over the five days.

The Verdict

Again I’m not interested in the head to head market for this test.  Expecting Australia to win but they are short enough under lights at the $1.55 with no Hazelwood & the possibility of no Warner who got 94 in Brisbane.

Suggested Betting Strategy

1 Unit | Steve Smith Most Runs Australia 1st Innings @ $3.50 (TAB)

Failed in Brisbane and will be keen to make amends.  Is the best batter in the world.

1 Unit | Pat Cummins Most Wickets Australia 1st Innings @ $3.30 (TAB)

Was excellent in Brisbane taking 5 fa in the first innings and is clear top pick with no Hazlewood.

1 Unit | James Anderson Most Wickets England 1st Innings @ $3.25 (Sportsbet)

Will be raring to go after being rested in Brisbane.  Took 5 fa here in 2017-18 and averages 19.3 in Pink Ball tests.