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Christmas came early for the Australians in the Ashes, winning the series in the third test. Now, England returns, playing for pride on Christmas Day in the UK (Boxing Day down under) at the MCG, trying to avoid a whitewash.
Will the Aussies be looking to inflict more pain on the England Cricket Team, or will they take it easy on their opponents? Will England be fighting fit, or will they be down in the dumps? Either way, there are some interesting bets to be made on the fourth Ashes test, and we look at some of the best below.
Australia v England Tips
England to take first innings lead - 7/4 @ bet365
A hundred to be scored in the match - 2/9 @ bet365
Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
England will be looking for retribution
The weight of expectation is now off the shoulders of Ben Stokes and his charges. With two dead rubbers ahead of us, the England boys have nothing to lose, thus they may start to put some performances together. Like in Adelaide, they took six wickets for 38 Australian runs and then had their best batting performance of the series with the pressure off. Australia are a weakened team too, with Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon definitely out, plus Steve Smith potentially still missing. The pieces are in place for England to come good.
Tip: England to win - 9/4 @ bet365
Bet Explanation: England needs to win the test for this bet to come in.
England to lead after the first innings
It is the nothing-to-lose scenario again playing to England’s advantage for this bet. I think they will come out with a point to prove, and Australia may not be 100% into the game mentally. A good start will give England all the impetus that they need to take the fourth test by the scruff of the neck. Without Steve Smith, Australia are weakened massively in their batting stakes, so with all the circumstances, England should lead after the first innings. The weather is set to play a part as well, so as long as England bowl first, this bet should play out.
Tip: England to take first innings lead - 7/4 @ bet365
Bet Explanation: This bet wins if England are leading at the end of the first innings.
Expect a century
Quite simply, there has been a century hit by a player in every test so far. Travis Head did it in the first test, before Joe Root did it in the first test for England - which now feels so long ago. In the third test, it was Alex Carey and Travis Head again who did it for Australia to win the Ashes. Now, entering the fourth test, I expect an England batter to find their feet and get a century. Yet, who knows if an Aussie will pile on the pressure by knocking a century themselves. Either way, I expect someone to find one.
Tip: A hundred to be scored in the match - 2/9 @ bet365
Bet Explanation: A century needs to be hit by any player in any inning for this to win.
Australia v England Odds
Australia to win - 8/15 @ bet365
Odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.
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The odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.