BANKER
England fall of 1st wicket in 1st innings: Under 24.5 –
Such is the form of Alastair Cook – and Australia’s new-ball bowlers – that an early wicket seems almost inevitable.
Steve Smith 1st innings: Over 40.5 runs –
Despite Joe Root’s funky captaincy and considerable toil, England could simply not get Smith out at Brisbane. Another run haul for the Australian skipper is likely in Adelaide.
Joe Root 1st innings: Over 31.5 runs –
Amid England’s disappointing second-innings effort in the first Test, Root’s half-century was another reminder of his consistency.
VALUE BET
Top 1st innings Australia bowler: Josh Hazlewood –
Having taken three wickets in the second innings at the Gabba, Hazlewood should benefit most of all the Australian bowlers from the day-night conditions in Adelaide.
Top 1st innings England batsman: Joe Root –
Root is in such a different league to the rest of his teammates that this is always worth backing.
England 1st innings 1st over to 15th over: Under 38.5 runs –
England’s run rate never crept above 2.5 runs per over in the first innings in Brisbane, and a quick start is no more likely here.
LONG SHOT
England to win –
England’s best chance of victory in this series is widely-considered to be this day-night match, with conditions favouring their bowlers.
If the visitors can shrug off their heavy defeat in the first Test, then this is not a bad punt.
Top 1st innings England batsman: Alastair Cook –
Cook scored a century at this venue in 2010, and racked up a double hundred against the West Indies in England’s day-night Test last summer.
Despite his bad performance last time out, England’s former captain has the pedigree to flourish in this match.
Top 1st innings Australian batsman: Cameron Bancroft –
Bancroft’s unbeaten 82 in the fourth innings at Brisbane should give him plenty of confidence, as should the plaudits he has received for his post-match press conference.
Should Steve Smith and David Warner dip below their usual standards, the 25-year-old is a good bet to fill the void.
