12 Jun 2019
The run up to this year’s Ashes series has featured all the usual mind games and trash talk you’d expect, as Australian media have been quick to write off England’s chances without Ben Stokes in the side.
And yet the ‘Poms’, despite having been somewhat plagued by injury so far this tour, have played themselves into form. Here we bring you all the Ashes betting insight you need.
First up for Trevor Bayliss’ side is a typically “fast and bouncy” pitch at the Gabba, Brisbane. Australia boasts a formidable Test match record at the ground. In the 55 matches played there, Australia has won 33, drawn 13, tied 1 and lost 8. Australia has also not lost at the Gabba in 28 matches, a record that has been in place since 1988.
The smart bet appears to be backing Australia to get the series off to a flyer in Brisbane at 7/10. For the optimists out there, however, you can dream of a repeat of Alastair Cook and Jonathan Trott’s remarkable partnership back in 2010, where the pair put on 329 together on the final day of the Brisbane Test to claim a famous draw. Genting Bet has the draw at 4/1.
After a shaky start to their Ashes tour, England finished their warmup games on a high. Alastair Cook, who, in Mark Stoneman, is playing with his 12th opening partner since Andrew Strauss in 2012, found some form ahead of the first Test with a timely 70. Stoneman, meanwhile, struck a century to head to Brisbane with confidence.
Cook and Stoneman, however, will have to contend with arguably the best fast bowling attack in world cricket right now. In Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, the Baggy Greens possess two bowlers with the pace to rip through any top order. Couple that with the deadly accuracy of Josh Hazlewood and the Australian attack looks formidable.
The task captain Root faces in trying to retain the Ashes is undoubtedly his sternest test on the pitch since taking over the captaincy, but the Yorkshireman can rightly point to the strength of his own bowling attack. Many believe Stuart Broad and James Anderson hold the key to the tourists’ success this series.
Whilst neither have performed particularly well historically in Australia - Broad is seemingly back to his best, having rediscovered his pace. Anderson, meanwhile, will be looking to sign off what’s likely to be his final Ashes series in style.
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