In the third Ashes test at Headingley, England produced one of the most unlikely comebacks in cricketing history as they squared the series.
Ben Stokes’ brilliance means that the destiny of the Ashes remains in the balance as England and Australia head to Old Trafford for the fourth test, starting on Wednesday.
What are the cricket odds for England v Australia?
The result markets have been tight throughout this series and once again, we have no clear favourite. England lead the betting at 2.50 with Bet365 but Australia are only just behind at 2.62 with Betway. The draw completes the picture at 3.60 with Betway and there is some poor weather forecast for the first three days, so perhaps we should consider that option more closely.
If we are to get five full days, many experts suggest that England’s momentum will pull them through. The manner of Australia’s defeat will have been hard to accept but there are good reasons why the tourists can bounce back and win in Manchester.
Steve Smith’s return is an obvious plus but Australia should also make room for Mitchell Starc. The left armer will strengthen the attack but he can also make Nathan Lyon a more effective bowler as the spinner looks to exploit the footmarks. There may not be too much support for this Satta but we feel that the Aussies are set to take a series lead.
Match Odds Summary: England 2.50 (Bet365), Australia 2.62 (Betway – Editor’s Pick), The Draw 3.60 (Betway).
What are the top batsman odds for England v Australia?
Ben Stokes came to England’s rescue with the bat on second innings but the side struggled first time up, making just 67. Joe Denly top scored with 12 and with suggestions that the Kent man may be moved up to open, he may be a good value option at 6.50 with Betway to top score for England on first innings.
Betway are the only one of our recommended bookmakers to list top batsman prices at present and they quote Joe Root as favourite at 4.00. Ben Stokes’ heroics have seen him shorten considerably to 4.75 while Rory Burns follows at 5.50. Other picks for the home side include Jonny Bairstow at 6.00, Jason Roy at 6.50 and Jos Buttler at 7.00 – all with Betway once again.
Australia’s Best Odds for 4th Test
For Australia, Marnus Labuschagne has moved in to take over from where Steve Smith left off. His patience and calm approach mean that he must be included for Old Trafford even though Smith returns. In Australia’s version of the top batsman market, Smith starts as favourite at 2.87 but Labuschagne may offer more value at 6.00.
David Warner is second favourite at 4.75 while Usman Khawaja is available at 5.50. We’re not sure who will make way for Smith so you should also consider Travis Head at 6.00, Marcus Harris at 6.50 and Matthew Wade at 7.00. Once again, all of those figures are with Betway.
We went for the outsiders in the match betting so we’ll focus on the favourites here. Steve Smith continues to be the key player for Australia but at odds of just 2.87, he’s far too short for comfort.
We’ll switch, therefore, to Joe Root who made an important contribution in England’s run chase last time out. Root hasn’t been at his best in this series but he found some touch at Headingley and we feel that he’s set for the major contribution at Old Trafford.
Top Batsman Odds Summary: England: Root 4.00 (Betway – Editor’s Pick), Stokes 4.75 (Betway), Burns 5.50 (Betway), Bairstow 6.00 (Betway), Denly 6.50 (Betway), Roy 6.50 (Betway), Buttler 7.00 (Betway).
Australia: Smith 2.87 (Betway), Warner 4.75 (Betway), Khawaja 5.50 (Betway), Labuschagne 6.00 (Betway), Head 6.00 (Betway), Harris 6.50 (Betway), Wade 7.00 (Betway).
What are the top bowler odds for England v Australia?
In the same way that there could be value behind the favourites in the top batsman betting, the same is true for the bowlers. For England, Joffra Archer leads the way at 2.60 with Betway but, while the paceman is getting the headlines, Stuart Broad is having a consistent series.
Broad has been a threat to the Australian left handers in particular, and at odds of 3.00 with Betway to return best first innings figures, he’s a strong pick.
England Top Bowler Odds Summary: Archer 2.60 (Betway), Broad 3.00 (Betway – Editor’s Pick), Woakes 4.50 (Betway), Stokes 7.00 (Betway), Leach 7.00 (Betway).
