2017-18 Ashes: 1st Test Betting Tips

The wait is over, and cricket’s biggest rivalry is set to add a new chapter to its glorious history. Old enemies Australia and England resume their famed Ashes rivalry for the Urn as the 2017-18 series kicks off with the First Test at The Gabba in Brisbane from Thursday, November 23rd.

The hosts have a new look to their side as they made some left field selections. But, the sight of England and the need to regain the urn should make them ready as ever before the first Test.

England too have problems of their own but what is Ashes if it’s not a test of character. The experience of the bowling attack and the chance to retain the urn should kickstart their tour.

Will the courageous decisions help Australia?
Blooding a rookie opener and selecting a ‘keeper who isn’t a first-choice with his state side even – Australian selectors have made some interesting and courageous decisions ahead of the first Test.

Steve Smith will be making his Ashes captaincy debut but knows all about the pressure of playing the old enemy. His runs will be as crucial to their cause as his captaincy. David Warner may have some injury concerns, but expect his aggression to return on Australian soil.

It is their bowling that gives the Aussies a lot of hope. The troika of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins is a handful for any batting line-up. Add the wily spin of Nathan Lyon and you have one Ashes winning unit. But, the biggest question is, will they be able to play without breaking down?

Will Ben Stokes’ absence hurt England?
Such is the impact of their key all-rounder that the absence of Stokes is the most-talked about event before the start of the series. Let’s not get into whether he will be available later in the series – one thing is certain, England will miss his all-round skills and the tenacious give-it-back attitude.

Joe Root is making his Ashes captaincy debut too, but he would be worried about burying the ghosts of 2013-14 with the bat. He has Alastair Cook at the top to provide tons of runs but the success of newcomers Mark Stoneman, James Vince, and Dawid Malan is as much vital for England.

Bowling has the familiar look with James Anderson and Stuart Broad leading the charge. Jake Ball and Craig Overton are available too, but it would be interesting to see how Moeen Ali impresses with his tweaks.

Key battles and stats
The ‘Starc versus Cook’ battle promises to set the tone for the rest of the series as the left-arm seamer is planning to do a ‘Mitchell Johnson of 2013’ on the tourists.

England have won 4 of the last 5 Ashes series but in Australia, they have won only 1 of 7 series. England haven’t won a Brisbane Test since 1986.

Picks
When it comes to the Gabba, how can you not pick an Aussie win? The hosts are unbeaten in their last 28 Tests here and that could continue even though there is a bit of uncertainty over in both the camps. Back Australia at odds of $1.73 (William Hill) to win.

TIP: Australia to win – $1.73 at William Hill

Starc is going to be a huge factor for both the sides and we believe his form will be crucial in this match. Back the seamer to top the bowling charts for Australia at odds of $3 (bet365).

TIP: Mitchell Starc most wickets (Australia) – $3 at bet365

For all the pre-match talk about him not being in form, Cook is still the top dog for England. The more he scores at the top, the better it is for England. Back him at odds of $4.33 (William Hill) to be England’s top batsman.

TIP: Alistair Cook most runs (England) – $4.33 at William Hill