England vs Australia
Rarely does a sporting occasion capture the hearts and minds of a nation quite like Ashes cricket. And boy has this series exploded into life!
At one each with two to play you’d say this series is in the balance, but the closing events at Headingly in the 3rd Test have swung the momentum firmly in England’s favour. When Australia took the hosts’ ninth wicket with 73 runs still required, the chances of the Three Lions keeping the series alive were around five per cent, but then Ben Stokes, bravely supported by number 11 Jack Leach wrote himself into cricket history.
So Old Trafford will be packed to the rafters for the 4th Test, England vs Australia, when Joe Root leads his team out, and we’re in line for five more days of blistering cricket.
Talking Points
Sir Ben?
No-one here in the Asian Handicap SBOBET team, nor in the stands in Leeds, would have given England much of a prayer when Stuart Broad trudged off, after surrendering his wicket to leave England on the brink of defeat. And that would have meant Australia retaining the Ashes, even if the hosts went on to win the last two.
At that point Ben Stokes had constructed a careful innings from the moment he joined his captain with three wickets down. But with his back against the wall he unleashed the type of fury seldom seen on the sporting stage, smashing the Aussies to all parts of the ground, keeping astonishing cool under immense pressure.
Little wonder then, that there have been clamours for him to receive a knighthood from the moment his 135 not-out levelled the series.
But the explosive all-rounder has said his innings will count for nothing of England fail to win the Ashes.
And let’s not forget the contribution of Jack Leach, who stood firm for 16 balls before clipping one behind square to draw the scores level. The spinner is no slouch with the bat. He came very close to scoring a century, as night watchman, in the warm-up Test against Ireland, and he now he has won the hearts of every England fan with the way he got his full body behind everything Australia could throw at him, pausing before each delivery to wipe the sweat and steam from his glasses.
So long Jimmy?
The big 4th Test, England vs Australia news concerns a player who won’t be on the pitch.
The hosts will be without Jimmy Anderson, the greatest English fast bowler of all time.
The Lancashire legend has been ruled out for the series, having bowled just four overs in the 1st Test, so he won’t appear at his home ground, or in the series climax at the Oval.
He hoped to add to his 575 test wickets and the tourists won’t be shedding any tears at his absence.
Time will tell whether he has made his last international appearance, but let’s hope not.
Smith vs Archer
Anderson’s calf injury made way for Jofra Archer to explode onto the Test stage. Having starred in the World Cup his blistering pace has had the Australian batsmen hopping around, non more so than Steve Smith, who missed the 3rd Test having been floored by an Archer bouncer in the 2nd.
Smith has already recovered from his ban for cheating, and took the 1st Test away from England single handed, but now he needs to recover his confidence if he is to face down Archer and his 90 mph bullets.
In his first innings since his concussion, Smith was dismissed for just 23 in a warm up game in Derby and Archer will be relishing a chance to continue his dominance over one of the best batsmen on the planet.
Can Aussies recover?
They are a tough bunch these Australians, and never easy to keep down, but they’ll take some lifting after suffering defeat in the most unlikely and spectacular circumstances. Just as England have had an immeasurable boost and will be roared on by a passionate Manchester crowd, the tourists have had a big knock and may find it hard to recover.
History
England fans are already dreaming of another spectacular Ashes win, to go down in the annals alongside the famous 2005 series victory, the Three Lions’ first after 18 years of Australian dominance.
And comparisons are being drawn with the 1981 ‘Botham’s Ashes’ conquest, with Stokes the new hero.
Betting Tip
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England vs Australia | England 1×2 @ 2.25 |
| September 4-6, 18:00 (GMT+8) |
It’s already been a memorable summer for England cricket, from the opening World Cup clash against South Africa leading to final glory, when Stokes again was the hero.
And the latest England vs Australia betting odds point to more excitement; with the hosts marginal favourites and Australia at 2.49 with the draw at 4.00.
England is 1.80 Draw no Bet with the Aussies at 2.06, and there s some rain forecast, as you’d expect in Manchester. But I think England’s momentum will take them through.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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 = €20 (Highly confident) |
= €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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