Couch Critic provides his betting tips for the fourth Ashes test match between England and Australia which starts at Old Trafford on Wednesday
SETTING THE SCENE
England managed to grasp victory from the jaws of defeat at Headingly. In one of the most thrilling test matches in recent times England were dramatically able to chase down 359 in the fourth innings with Ben Stokes proving the hero of the hour.
Jofra Archer was all fire in the first innings but Warner and Labuschagne ensured the visitors manged to scrape to 179. This seemed a great effort after England sunk to an embarrassing 67 at the hands of Cummins, Hazlewood and Pattinson. At the second time of asking La-bu-shane was again the standout performer. Root finally came to the part in the second innings for England whilst Stokes go the team home with his second century of the series.
LET’S TALK TACTICS
The Stokes fireworks papered over the fact that England still have very few solid scores to show. Their 146 and 67 are the two lowest totals of the series and they drastically require more runs from their batsmen. In Archer they have certainly found a top notch strike bowler and Leach has proven a very useful spin option.
Since the first test Australia have not passed 250 and thus sit with batting issues of their own. Their in-form Saffa will however be partnered by the returning Steve Smith for this test. Head, Wade and Warner have all shown glimpses of what they can do but without consistency. The visitors will be seeking a solid start from their top three for a change if they are to stop the momentum of the Poms. Bowling wise Mitch Starc looked ready for a call-up in the tour game but the current trio have looked tough to change.
Old Trafford is usually a true wicket which should assist the quicks with the new ball especially if there is some over cast conditions around. However spin usually plays a part later in the game – Ali picked up five sticks in the fourth innings against South Africa the last time a test was played here.
HOW I SEE IT PLAYING OUT
Make no bones about it – England got off the hook in the third test. Australia dominated the majority of the test and were a touch unfortunate not to pick up the win. Their batting is a bit more reliable (especially with Smith back) than that of their opponents for mind and there is still nothing wrong with their seriously impressive bowling unit. Lyon should have an important role to play in Manchester. My first play is to take the Aussies to win the game as there are still just too many question marks around this English side at present.
Since returning to the team Josh Hazlewood has had a ball (excuse the pun) with the new Duke cherry in his hands. Whilst Cummins and even Pattinson might be starting to feel the effects of the series Hazlewood seems as if he is only getting started.
Stokes has looked in command at the crease. Denly is thrown to the wolves at the top for this test whilst Root’s current form doesn’t justify his price. Bairstow could came good this time around but he is not at the top of his powers at present and Butler has struggled. The red headed hero seems the sound option.
He has had his troubles, but Warner showed some signs of finding his feet in the third test. He will get two bites of the cherry and the chances are good that he will battle out a decent score on at least one of those occasions.
Best Bets with BETOLIMP:
To win the game – Australia @ 2.66
Top Australia 1st Innings Bowler– J Hazlewood @ 4.10
Top England 1st Innings Batsman – B Stokes @ 5.50
Batsman to score fifty in the match – D Warner YES @ 2.00
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change
Couch Critic
