Let battle commence! After what seems like weeks of trash talk and media sparring, cricket fans can finally get down to savouring one of the great sporting spectacles with the first Ashes Test taking place in Perth.
It is the first time since 1982 that an Ashes series has started in Perth and the first time the countries have ever met at the new Perth Stadium, the successor to the famous old WACA.
Australia are the holders and favourites, though there are many cricket fans and experts who believe Ben Stokes’ side can light the fuse for a thrilling series by going 1-0 up in Western Australia.
Here are our cricket betting tips for the first Test of the series.
Selections
England to win first Test @ 7/5
Jamie Smith 1st Innings Six @ 5/4
Joe Root to Score Most Match Fours @ 4/1
Australian issues to hand Lions a golden chance
It’s one thing being handed advantages galore on a plate, it’s quite another taking them, but England can profit from Australian troubles to take a 1-0 lead in the Ashes in Perth.
The Aussies, holders and favourites they may be, look to be hugely vulnerable right now following the retirement of David Warner, injuries to key bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, question marks over the form of Travis Head and with birthday boy, 38-year-old Nathan Lyon, far less of a threat.
A new opener – probably Jake Weatherald – will get a debut as will paceman Brendan Doggett, while Scott Boland, a decent seamer but no more, has never played a Perth Test.
The Baggy Green aren’t in disarray but they are vulnerable and England’s we-come-off-or-we-don’t approach could rattle them further.
England skipper Ben Stokes seems to be revelling in the underdog status and the criticism from back home and he will back himself and his key, big-name batters like Ben Duckett, Harry Brook and the remarkable Joe Root to deliver.
England also have the pacier seam attack which could benefit from a bouncy Perth pitch. The tourists look way overpriced.
Tip 1: England to win first Test @ 7/5
Classy Smith can clear the Perth ropes
Jamie Smith got some welcome runs to go to Perth with an unbeaten 39 in England’s one warm-up game against a Lions XI.
The England wicketkeeper-batter smashed four sixes in that innings to follow the two he flailed in an eight-ball 13 in the first innings.
Smith is all about taking attacks apart and he bats with a complete freedom that sometimes borders on irresponsibility, but nearly always scores quick runs.
Arriving at the crease in the middle order, likely when Lyon is operating, Smith will look to take on the veteran off-spinner from ball one. Indeed, he will look to take on anyone.
Smith has nailed 26 sixes in 25 Test innings and calibre of opposition will not fluster him one iota. This Aussie attack isn’t the greatest and Smith is value at 5/4 to hit a first-innings maximum.
Tip 2: Jamie Smith 1st Innings Six @ 5/4
Root ready to bat England to glory
For all the big-hitting fireworks prevalent in the England batting order, it is one man, Joe Root, who is the glue that holds it together.
While those around him lose their heads, England’s most prolific Test runscorer just goes about his business piling up big runs and it would be no surprise to see him come off in at least one innings in Perth, maybe both.
Root has scored 571 Test runs this calendar year with 57 fours and he is taken to hit the most match fours in the series opener.
Tip 3: Joe Root to Score Most Match Fours @ 4/1
