The Ashes series comes to a close this week with the fifth and final Test match taking place at The Oval from Thursday. Check out BettingPro’s best tips & predictions for the fifth Test between England and Australia.
The Ashes Betting Tips: England v Australia Ashes 4th Test Betting Tips & Predictions
Australia might have already retained the Ashes, but England will be going all out to ensure they do not win the series for the first time on English soil since 2001.
As predicted on this page, the predictable English weather ensured the fourth Test at Old Trafford was a washout with minimal play on Saturday and no play at all on Sunday. That ensured the Aussies retained the Urn as they head into the final Test 2-1 in front.
Just because they have won the Ashes, do not think this will be a dead rubber. England do not want to actually lose the series, while Australia will want to end a run of 22 years without a series win over England in their own backyard.
England captain Ben Stokes has opted to name an unchanged squad for the Test at the Oval. He could still make some changes with Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue hoping for recalls.
If Robinson or Tongue play, it will probably be at the expense of Jimmy Anderson, who has struggled during the series. Chris Woakes and Mark Wood have to play – I honestly feel that if they were both fit for the first and second Test, then England would have won the Ashes.
Zak Crawley was amazing in England’s first innings with 189, while his opening partner Ben Duckett failed with just one run. I am backing Duckett to bounce back with a strong innings with him being England’s top scorer in the first innings at the Oval.
With the ball in hand, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazelwood have both been threats. Captain Cummins has 16 wickets already in the series – just two behind Stuart Broad. Back Cummins to be Australia’s top wicket-taker in the first innings.
If Australia bat first, I am backing Marnus Labuschagne to kick on from his splendid 111 in the second innings that jhelped save the Aussies. He has scored 306 runs in four Test matches, so I am backing him to top-score.
For England when bowling, Woakes and Wood have been very dangerous. Broad will probably get the wicket of David Warner, but I am backing Woakes to take the most for the hosts in the first innings.
I am also backing England to level up the series – if the weather allows it.
The Ashes Betting Tips: Special Betting Offers
The Ashes Betting Tips: England v Australia Ashes Schedule
First Test (Edgbaston) – Friday June 16 – Tuesday June 20 (11am start) – Australia won by two wickets
Second Test (Lord’s) – Wednesday June 28 – Sunday July 2 (11am start) – Australia won by 42 runs
Third Test (Headingley) – Thursday July 6 – Monday July 10 (11am start) – England won by three wickets
Fourth Test (Emirates Old Trafford) – Wednesday July 19 – Sunday July 23 (11am start) – Draw
Fifth Test (The Kia Oval) – Thursday July 27 – Monday July 31 (11am start)
