Bet on Brett to spark the Aussie fightback
ENGLAND vs AUSTRALIA
TODAY 11AM, SKYSPORTS 1
The cherished urn may be among the smallest trophies in sport, but to the 17,000 Headingley spectators, and 22 men dressed in white, it is the biggest prize in the world. Yet, with three down and just two to go, we’re not much nearer to knowing who will be getting their hands on the Ashes.
All that could change in Leeds – should Andrew Strauss’s men win the game, they will also take the series. However, like Andrew Flintoff’s knee, it seems more likely the victory celebrations will be kept on ice. The draw in Birmingham was a massive result for Australia, and they will be looking to build on that here. The long-range forecast also hints at the weather having less of a bearing on the result in Yorkshire, meaning the draw here –
best-priced at around 6/4 on Betdaq – looks too short. The Baggy Greens can be backed at 6/4 with Boylesports, while England are 3/1 outsiders with Hills, and the value looks to be the Aussies.
On such a run-friendly pitch, top series batsman contenders will be licking their lips. In the green and gold corner Michael Clarke is the 11/8 favourite and current series leader with 352, but he is carrying a stomach strain and bats at five. Possessor of two centuries, a fifty and a bulky 114.33 average on this ground, Ricky Ponting shouldn’t be discounted altogether at 6/1, but the boo boys, and Graeme Swann’s personal ‘Ball of the Century’ got the better of him in Birmingham, leaving him behind on 233. Seemingly the sole English representative, I’ll be getting on Andrew Strauss at 5/2 with Boylesports who has already posted 309. The man is going through the gears and, as an opener for the underdogs, can expect greater crease time than the Aussie skipper and his deputy.
This particular cricket feast might not have some of the personal battles of yesteryear, despite the best Edgbaston efforts of mummy’s boy Mitchell Johnson, but Brett Lee is poised to return, potentially reigniting the 2005 dual with Flintoff. Having declared himself ‘100 per cent fit’ he could be the fillip that tees up a series showdown at the Oval. I fancy him to hit the ground running and, at 6/1, stands a good chance of being top match bowler. England’s ‘King of the Swingers’ will be his main rival, and James Anderson is now his side’s top-wicket taker and the standout choice at 5/1.
I also wouldn’t put anyone off backing either man to snatch the Headingley man-of-the-match trophy – Lee is available at 14/1 and Anderson at 16/1 – or buying the Englishman’s match bowling index at 43 with Sporting Index, as he is unplayable when he gets the ball to swing.
POINTERS…
Australia to win the fourth Test at 6/4 (Boylesports)
Andrew Strauss to be top series batsman at 5/2
James Anderson to be top match bowler at 5/1
Brett Lee to be top match bowler at 6/1 (General)
Lee to be man-of-the-match at 14/1 (General)
Anderson to be man-of-the-match at 16/1 (General)
Buy Anderson bowling index at 43 with Sporting Index