The second Ashes Test begins in the early hours of Thursday as England look to level the series after defeat in Perth.
After a demoralising two-day defeat in the first Ashes Test, England have to respond in Brisbane as they look to level the five-match series.
The Gabba has been the venue for some historic Ashes encounters – this time the two teams will play a day-night Test with a pink ball.
Key players will be missing on both sides and it promises to be another fascinating clash between these old rivals. Here are our cricket betting tips for the game.
Selections
England to win @ 19/10
Australia Top Batter 1st Innings – Steve Smith @ 13/5
To take 3+ Wickets First Innings – Jofra Archer @ 1/1
England out to prove the critics wrong
A lot has been written or said about the first Test since England lost it within two days, most of it being critical of the tourists and their strategy.
Despite having a first-innings lead, Brendon McCullum’s team capitulated in Perth and that result now means there is even more resting on the Gabba clash.
It’s not been a happy hunting ground for England in the past, with just five wins in their 22 Tests in Brisbane and their last victory at the ground coming in 1986.
The pink-ball Test does offer them a bit of extra hope though, especially when you consider Australia’s most recent displays at this venue.
In a rain-affected match earlier this year, the hosts drew with India but fell to a shock defeat to the West Indies in the previous Gabba Test – which was also a pink-ball match.
England often respond in adversity and with captain Pat Cummins and fellow quick Josh Hazlewood still missing for the hosts, they could take advantage of swing and skid from the different colour ball.
Tip 1: England to win @ 19/10
Smith’s Gabba record points to stand-in skipper
With Cummins still missing with a back injury, Steve Smith will once again captain the home side as they head to Queensland.
The 36-year-old made just 19 runs across the two innings in Perth, but his record at the Gabba makes him the scalp that England will be desperate to take.
Smith is ranked fifth in the all-time Test running-making list at the Gabba, with 926 in 19 innings – an average of 54.47.
The veteran made a century in the draw with India earlier this year and was 91 not-out in the second innings of the defeat to the Windies.
Tip 2: Australia Top Batter 1st Innings – Steve Smith @ 13/5
England hopes rest with Archer
A blow in the run up to the second Test was the news that Mark Wood would not play in Brisbane, after suffering a knee issue.
Josh Tongue looks likely to replace Wood, with England expected to stick with an all-out seam attack alongside the part-time spin of Joe Root.
The pace of the England attack caused Australia all sorts of problems during the first innings in Perth, with Jofra Archer taking 2-11 in his nine overs.
The paceman will need to be on top form if the tourists are going to give themselves a chance of an historic victory.
Tip 3: To take 3+ Wickets First Innings – Jofra Archer @ 1/1
