Australia and England head into the fourth Test of the Ashes at the MCG on Boxing Day with the series already wrapped up following Australia’s victory in Adelaide to take a 3-0 lead. We take a look at the Test from a betting perspective below.
Click here to access the Ashes Outright Markets where Australia are trading at 2.10 to win the series 5-0 and Travis Head who currently has a 112 run lead over Alex Carey is 1.44 to be the top series batsman.
3rd Test – Australia vs England Summary
The third Test at Adelaide Oval delivered an evenly matched contest, ultimately decided by Australia’s depth and consistency across all five days as they secured an 82-run victory.
After electing to bat first, Australia’s first innings was built around a crucial middle-order fightback after early wickets fell. Travis Head was dismissed cheaply for 10 from 28 balls while Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green fell for 19 and 0 respectively, leaving the hosts under pressure. Usman Khawaja steadied the innings with a patient 82 off 126 deliveries before Alex Carey produced a superb century. Carey scored 106 from 143 balls, including 8 fours and a six which guided Australia to a total of 371. Jofra Archer led England’s bowling attack, finishing with impressive figures of 5 for 53, he was supported by Brydon Carse and Will Jacks who picked up two wickets a piece.
England responded with a determined first innings of their own. After Zak Crawley was dismissed early for 9 off 19 balls and Ollie Pope fell for 3, Ben Stokes anchored the innings with a measured 83 from 198 deliveries, batting for over four hours. Harry Brook added 45 from 63 balls, while Archer contributed a fighting 51 off 105. Australia’s bowlers maintained control throughout, with Pat Cummins claiming 3 for 69 and Scott Boland returning figures of 3 for 45 to bowl England out for 286.
Australia extended their advantage in the second innings, driven by an outstanding knock from Travis Head. The left-hander dominated with a classy 170 off 219 balls, striking 16 fours and 2 sixes. Alex Carey continued his remarkable form with 72 from 128 balls, as Australia piled on 349. Josh Tongue was the pick of the English bowlers taking 4 for 70 with Brydon Carse firing once again to pick up 3 wickets for 80 runs. Despite their efforts they were left chasing a daunting target of 435.
England showed greater purpose in the final innings. Crawley found form with a composed 85 from 151 balls while Joe Root added 39 off 63 and Jamie Smith impressed with 60 from 83 deliveries. Will Jacks’ 47 off 137 balls helped push the chase deep into day five, but regular wickets stalled the momentum. Nathan Lyon claimed 3 for 77, while Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins each took three wickets as England were dismissed for 352, once again falling short of victory.
Alex Carey was named Player of the Match after scoring 106 and 72 as well as taking six catches across the Test.
Australia won the 1st test by 8 wickets in Perth and the 2nd test in Brisbane was also won by Australia by 8 wickets.
Duck Off
Single/ Straight bets only.
Pre-Match Only.
Free Bets do not count towards this offer.
Refund must be claimed within 24 hours of the match finishing.
Refund limited to 1 refund per customer per event.
Free Bet vouchers received must be used within 7 days.
Max refund per account per day in Free Bets:
Free Bets terms and conditions apply.
Simply email promotions@wsb.co.za with Subject ‘Duck Off’ to claim your voucher within 24 hours of the match finishing.
BETTING – click here to bet
Australia 1.54
England 2.90
Draw 11.00
Suggested Bets:
Top Australia Batter – Travis Head at 4.25
Head has been the standout batter of the series averaging 63.16. His ability to dominate spin and pace makes him a strong contender to top Australia’s run-scoring in the 1st innings.
Top English Bowler – Brydon Carse at 4.25
Carse has been on a decent run of form with ball in hand, picking up wickets at frequent intervals and looking threatening. He looks an improving sort and I fancy his chances of getting amongst the Australia wickets and adding to his impressive tally of wickets in the series.
Note: All odds are correct at the time of writing but subject to change.
