The 2019 Ashes Series heads to Headingley in Leeds for the third test, with England (4/6) odds on favourites to win, Australia are priced at 11/5 for the win and the draw coming in at a distant 6/1. Australia currently lead the five-match series 1-0 after two matches following the drawn second test, after the opening day was washed out without a ball being bowled.
England’s star all-rounder Ben Stokes top-scored in the match with an unbeaten 115 runs in the second innings, while Australia’s former captain Steve Smith continued his fine form with the bat as he made 92 in Australia’s first innings before he was trapped in front by Chris Woakes. However the headlines were rightly centred around the exciting speedster Jofra Archer whose searing pace caused havoc for the Aussie batsmen, most notably Smith who was felled by a 149kph bouncer from the 24-year old, forcing the star batsman to periodically retire hurt.
30-year old Smith would go on to make history as he became the first test cricketer in history to be substituted. Smith failed a second concussion test following the sickening blow he received from the Caribbean-born Archer. Smith’s substitute, Klerksdorp-born Marnus Labuschagne, was also floored by an Archer bouncer but he promptly got up and was allowed to carry on by the team medic. The 25-year old right-hander went on to make a determined 59 from 100 balls as the Baggy Greens fought hard for a draw while England pressed for victory.
Labuschagne is line to make his full Ashes debut after Smith was ruled out of the third test on Tuesday afternoon, failing to recover from a concussion. The middle-order batsman top-scored for the Aussies in the second innings during his heroic substitute appearance at Lord’s. Here are some of the individual Marnus Labuschagne bets that punters can take:
To score a Half-Century - 1st/2nd innings
Yes - 13/10 |
No - 11/20 |
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Player's Total Runs - Innings 1 |
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Over 26.5 - 17/20 |
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Under 26.5 - 17/20 |
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To score a Half-Century - Innings 1 |
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Yes - 15/8 |
No - 4/11 |
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To score a Century - 1st/2nd innings |
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Yes - 6/1 |
No - 1/14 |
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Player to make a Duck - Innings 1 |
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Yes - 9/1 |
No - 1/25 |
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The Australian’s will have to find ways of nullifying the Archer factor. The pace bowler with a deceptive short-ball may have only taken five wickets in the second match but his impact going forward should not be underestimated and the psychological inroads he made could have far-reaching consequences for the remainder of the series. Ashes betting has never been more mouth-watering and punters have the following (some) Archer markets to bet on:
Most Wickets (v Cummins) - Innings 1
Archer - 22/25 |
Cummins - 22/25 |
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Player's Total Wickets - Innings 1 |
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Over 2.5 - 7/10 |
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Under 2.5 - 21/20 |
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Player to take 5 or more wickets - 1st innings |
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Yes - 6/1 |
No - 1/14 |
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Player to take 5 or more wickets - 1st/2nd innings |
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Yes - 16/5 |
No - 1/5 |
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Man of the Match |
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Archer - 15/2 |
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Australia will be without their star batsman but they still have quality batsmen in their ranks and will be hopeful that the likes of David Warner, who is yet to get a significant score, will find some timely form and help his side seal an important second victory with just two matches to playwhich will ensure the visitors can’t lose the series.
England meanwhile will be buoyed by Smith’s omission and will quietly be confident of sealing an important victory and maintain their hopes of winning this year’s Ashes Series.
Whatever the outcome, Sunbet’s Ashes online cricket betting has got you covered with more than 200 pre-match betting markets already available which will be supplemented by our host of Live In-Play markets. Place your bet now!
