Australia v England 3rd Test betting preview
There has been months of hype surrounding the 2010/11 Ashes series, although England’s dominance when winning the 2nd Test in Adelaide means that Andrew Strauss’ team are a best price 1/10 (Betfred) to retain the miniature urn this winter.
The key thing for the tourists to avoid is getting too complacent after completely dominating Australia a week ago and the bookmakers are expecting a closer encounter in Perth this week. England can be backed at 13/8 with Stan James to take a 2-0 lead and set themselves on course for a potentially famous series victory.
Many would say this is a big price considering that Australia already appear to be making their last throw of the dice by selecting the inexperienced Michael Beer for his Test debut. Providing that Alastair Cook and Kevin Pietersen can continue their heroics with the bat, odds-against might seem very generous.
Nevertheless, the Aussies also have some excellent batsmen who haven’t yet demonstrated their capabilities and the Baggy Greens are 7/4 (Betfred) to bounce back from Adelaide humiliation by winning in western Australia.
Ricky Ponting and his team will certainly be smarting after that innings defeat and we shouldn’t forget that Australia held a commanding position in the First Test before some great batting from the England top order ensured that the match finished in a draw.
Perhaps both teams will struggle to take the required 20 wickets in Perth and the draw can be backed at 11/4 (bet365), something that will suit England well as it will mean that Australia need two victories from the final two Tests to regain the Ashes.
There is clearly a lot of pressure going on captain Ricky Ponting ahead of this Test Match, with his individual performances very ropey at the moment, although he could be a spot of value at 4/1 (Paddy Power) to step up to the mark with an important knock. Vice captain Michael Clarke is also a key player for the home side and he’s 5/1 (bet365) to be top Aussie batsman.
As for England, there are any number of players who could rate as a good bet to top score for their team at the WACA and it’s worth noting that Betfred will refund your Top Batsman stake if your player scores a century and still gets beaten by a team-mate.
The bookies are running scared of Kevin Pietersen after his double century at The Oval and he’s 7/2 (William Hill) to put Australia to the sword once again, while Alastair Cook (4/1 bet365) is scoring for fun and Jonathan Trott (9/2 Stan James) will also be a popular bet. Perhaps Ian Bell (6/1 Ladbrokes) could be good value if he gets a chance to bat!
As for England’s bowling potential, many people expect to see Graeme Swann kick on from his five wicket haul in Adelaide and he is 11/4 (Stan James) to take the most wickets, although James Anderson is on fire and can be backed at 9/4 (Paddy Power).