Cricket Betting: Australia vs Pakistan 1st Test Preview
Australia will hope for more upswing of fortunes as they continue their summer revival against the unpredictable Pakistan in a three-match Test series. The first match will be played day-night at the Gabba, Brisbane starting from Thursday, December 15.
Australia are looking to get their summer back on track after an embarrassing 2-1 defeat to South Africa. Although they did win the final Test and the subsequent ODIs against New Zealand, they are far from finding a solution to their woes. Pakistan are in somewhat similar state, losing 2-0 in New Zealand and look unconvincing with their batting. All this makes the first Test an interesting prelude to what promises to be a fascinating series.
Australia retained the side that helped them win against South Africa under lights at Adelaide. Usman Khawaja starred by leading with the bat and will once again be expected to do the honours. Keep an eye on David Warner whose summer keeps gets better and better with a blistering ODI series. Steve Smith will expect runs from him and the trio of new batsmen.
The Aussies are potent with the ball as Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood proved against South Africa. Jackson Bird and Nathan Lyon provided adequate support and should continue to play those roles at the Gabba. There will be considerable interest on how the newbies – Renshaw, Maddinson and Handscomb – will tackle the potent Pakistan bowling.
As usual, Pakistan comes loaded with mercurial talent that inspires awe – on paper. Unfortunately for them this hasn’t transformed into results in the past and they will be desperate to change that this time around. Azhar Ali, Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq will form the nucleus with the bat and should look to guide their quest for strong totals.
Bowling will be led by Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz who can be devastating with the pink ball thanks to their mastery of swing and pace. Their only concern remains over the fitness of leg-spinner Yasir Shah who if fit, could be a tricky proposition for the Aussie batsmen.
Despite their recent struggles, Australia start as favourites for this encounter as seen in the odds market at $1.36 (Sportsbet). Pakistan’s batting doesn’t inspire confidence that they could win and that explains their long odds even though they are the #1 ranked Test team in the world, I’ll be tipping the Aussies to win this one as a solid multi-bet base.
TIP: Australia to Win – $1.36 at Sportsbet
Khawaja remains a top bet to be the hosts’ best batsman at odds of $10 (Sportsbet), he’ll be looking to continue the solid form he disaplyed against South Africa. While Younis’ experience is vital for Pakistan and at odds of $5, he looks a good bet to be their best batsman.
TIP: Usman Khawaja 1st Inn Top Scorer – AUS – $5 at Sportsbet
TIP: Younis Khan 1st Inn Top Scorer – PAK – $5 at Sportsbet
Always Gamble Responsibly
