Couch Critic previews the first test match between Australia and India including best bets from @Olimp_SA
AUSTRALIA vs INDIA 1st Test, Adelaide. Thursday 17 Dec @ 06:00
White ball action in Australia makes way for red ball – or rather pink ball in this case - festivities over the next week or so. Here’s how I see things going down in the day-night test in Adelaide.
Setting the Scene
There will be plenty of questions asked of the Indians in this series.
Can they cope without Kohli (after this test)?
Can they keep building from their 2018 success?
Will their quicks be efficient enough without Ishant Sharma in their ranks?
Can the batsmen cope with the lethal Aussie seaming trio of Hazlewood, Starc and Cummins in favourable home conditions?
We should start to get a few of these answers over the next few days. For the home side it’s about having Warner (won’t play in the first one) and Smith back and showing they are still the number one test side in the word – especially with home comforts at their disposal.
Its number one versus number three on the ICC Test Team rankings. It’s Smith vs Kohli (No1 vs No2). Five of the Top 10 Test Bowlers will be in action and the same number in terms of the batsmen. This promises to be a humdinger!
Betolimp Best Bets
Top India 1st Innings Bowler – J Bumrah @ 3.00
It’s pink ball cricket with humid conditions expected – Bumrah should be very much amongst the wickets.
Top India 1st Innings Batsman – GH Vihari @ 11.00
If the new ball does some damage I would like someone lower down the order. Vihari came good in the warmups so he looks a standout price.
Top Australia 1st Innins Batsman – S Smith @ 3.10
For this one I am going for the boring play. Smith is the top test batsman in the world and also has recent form on his side. I am expecting a big series from Smith who will still be freshly excited to be back on the biggest stage and playing the ultimate form of the game.
Man of the Match – P Cummins @ 11.00
Back playing the format of the game that suits him best. As with Bumrah I expect conditions to suit Cummins perfectly to terrorise the visiting batsmen. I’m backing postman Pat to deliver for me in this market.
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Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change
Couch Critic
