One thing we can all agree on, The Ashes certainly never disappoints!
The 2nd test at Lords was another incredibly memorable Test. Conversations about the infamous Alex Carey stumping are very much still being had (mainly by the sooky English). It’s time to get over it if you ask me.
On to the 3rd Test at Headingley, even typing that words stills send shivers down my spine. For those that don’t remember the last Ashes Test at Headingley. England won a classic thanks to an incredible final wicket partnership between Ben Stokes and Jack Leach.
The Englishmen will need to dry their eyes and start thinking about this third Test. A win to the Aussies would mean a first series win for Australia in England since 2001.
I’ve checked the forecast, run my eyes over the scorebooks and have found a few markets I like the look of.
Here is my preview of the 3rd Ashes Test.
England Vs Australia
Thursday 6th July 8:00 pm, Headingley, Leeds
My Predicted Australia XI
- D. Warner
- U. Kwahaja
- M. Labuschagne
- S. Smith
- T. Head
- C. Green
- A. Carey (WK)
- P. Cummins (C)
- M. Starc
- T. Murphy
- S. Boland
Mitchell Starc came back into the team for Scott Boland for the Test at Lords and was the pick of our pacemen. He finished with 6 wickets for the match and proved some of the doubters wrong. Hazelwood was uncharacteristically expensive. He went at a rate of 4.87 an over which is not something you expect from the Bendemeer Bullet.
If I was a selector, I’d be giving Hoff a rest and bring ScoBo back in.
Todd Murphy also picks himself for this match after the injury to Nathan Lyon, it will be a big test for the young spinner who debuted incredibly well on our last tour of India.
Results Markets
The weather does not look great for Test Cricket. There is an 80% chance of rain predicted for Days 3 & 5 and a 40% chance of rain on Day 4. The draw at the time of writing is $4.50 but will come down significantly if those wet weather predictions come true.
Let’s pretend there’s clear skies all five days for a second. Australia are slight favourites to win at Headingley $2.20 compared to England’s $2.50.
Australia bowled incredibly well in Headingley last year (until about two hours before the end) rolling England for 64 in the first dig. A strong showing with the ball will be the key to victory for us.
I’ll be backing the Aussie’s to win, the rain does concern me so half a unit on the draw looks like a strong play as well. The $1.53 Australia/Draw double chance looks to be the play for my conservative punters.
Back: 2 Units on Australia to win & 1 Unit on the Draw or Back Australia/Draw Double Chance @ $1.53
Player Runs Markets
Usman Khawaja is the current top runscorer this series with 300 runs to his name. He doesn’t do it very quickly but his over/under of 30.5 is a market I like the look of.
There wasn’t a century scored by an Australian the last time we played at Headingley. I know that was four years ago but I will be staying away from the triple figure markets.
Marnus Labuschagne scored a half century in both the 1st and 2nd innings the last time he played here. He hasn’t quite been playing to the level we expect from him but I like Marnus to turn it around in this 3rd Test.
He’s $2.63 to score a 1st innings 50 and I will be having a crack there.
I know I just said I will be staying away from the triple figures markets but it’s Steve Smith’s 100th game. I can’t help myself. $3.75 for Smudge to score a first innings century, lets gooooo.
Back Usman Khawaja Over 30.5 1st Innings @ $1.83
Back Marnus Labuschagne to Score a 1st Innings 50 @ $2.63
Back Steve Smith to Score a 1st Innings 100 @ $3.75
Player Wicket Markets
Mitchell Starc was the big wicket taker for the Aussie’s last game and this is a wicket that favours a bit of seam up bowling.
Pat Cummins is favourite for Aus Top 1st Innings wicket taker and that’s where my money is. He has bowled well so far this series and has 8 wickets to his name. I like him to get the job done for us in Headingley.
Back Pat Cummins Top Aus Wicket Taker @ $3.25
