The first Ashes Test is nearly upon us, and tension levels are building.
As per usual, there is an ongoing war of words between the Australian and English media, while ex-players are also going at it across social media and on podcasts.
It means that excitement levels for the first ball in the early hours of Friday morning are ridiculously high, and the opening day of an Ashes series regularly brings drama.
So, we have previewed the First Test in full, picking out some betting tips based on the latest cricket odds on our website and app.
Where can I watch the First Test between Australia and England in the UK?
The whole of the First Test at the Optus Stadium in Perth will be broadcast live on TNT Sports, with play scheduled to start at 2:20am UK time each day.
Australia vs England: First Test Preview
Australia’s ageing superstars and their more traditional approach to Test cricket vs a younger England side and their ‘BazBall’ mantra in the baking sunshine, sport does not get much more exciting than this really.
The difference in approach between these two sides – which has been well-documented in the build up – makes things all the more unpredictable, and means the result could swing either way.
These two sides last faced off in the Test format back in 2023, with England fighting back from 2-0 down to draw the series 2-2.
Last time Down Under, a Three Lions team captained by Joe Root collapsed under the weight of expectation, losing 4-0 in a series blighted by Covid-19 restrictions.
In terms of recent results, it has been a few months since either team played Test cricket. England’s 2-2 drawn series with India finished on August 4, while Australia’s final match in a 3-0 away win over the West Indies concluded in mid-July.
Team news
Aussie skipper Pat Cummins is ruled out of the First Test, so Steve Smith will return as captain in the bowling all-rounder’s absence. Josh Hazelwood is also a high-profile absentee for the hosts, with Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett expected to be the replacements in the XI, supported by Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon as the senior operators.
As for England, Mark Wood is fit for selection in Perth, which means he could form a lethal fast-paced pairing with Jofra Archer. Captain Ben Stokes has also recovered from injury after missing the Fifth Test vs India over the summer.
Australia Confirmed XI: Khawaja, Weatherald, Labuschagne, Smith, Head, Green, Carey, Starc, Lyon, Doggett, Boland.
England First Test Squad: Stokes (captain), Archer, Atkinson, Bashir, Brook, Carse, Crawley, Duckett, Pope, Root, Smith (wk), Wood.
Australia vs England: First Test Odds
*All odds are subject to change
Australia are, of course, the big favourites heading into the First Test at a price of 1.66. An England victory in Perth is at odds of 2.39, while the draw is 13.00.
Australia vs England: First Test Betting Tips
Player of the Match – Steve Smith @ 8.40
The responsibility of being captain usually galvanises Smith, which is a frightening prospect for England given his Ashes record. He averages 56 with the bat vs the Three Lions and has hit 12 centuries, so this selection – at such great odds – could be a wise move to make.
A hundred to be scored in the match – No @ 3.50
Even though we are tipping a batsman to be the Player of the Match, we are taking a slight risk by opting for there not be a single 100. England’s ‘BazBall’ approach often lends itself to smaller scores at a higher strike rate, while Australia’s batting lineup is not as settled as previous years. Of course, Smith, Travis Head, Root or Harry Brook could make us look very silly here, so tread with caution.
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