The final Ashes Test gets underway at the Sydney Cricket Ground late tomorrow evening UK time.
England will arrive with some confidence behind them after a two-day victory in Melbourne last time out, though there is still no chance of regaining the urn following losses in Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide.
So for Ben Stokes’ side, pride is all that is left to play for, though a Test match in Sydney is always a fantastic occasion – and international careers could hinge on performances at the SCG.
Here is our full betting preview for the Australia vs England Fifth Test, complete with tips based on the latest cricket odds available on NetBet’s website and app.
Where can I watch the Fifth Test between Australia and England in the UK?
The Fifth Test between Australia and England will be broadcast live on TNT Sports, with play scheduled to start each day at 11:30pm UK time.
Australia vs England: Fifth Test Preview
England picked up a first win on Australian soil since 2011 at Melbourne. In a crazy match which lasted only two days, Stokes’ men chased down 175 to win by four wickets.
No batter made it past 50 in the four innings, further highlighting the sheer absurdity of the contest, which was partly down to the pitch.
It could be a return to some form of cricketing normality in Sydney (if the surface is kinder to the batters), though when ‘BazBall’ is part of the proceedings, ridiculousness is always a possibility.
Team news
Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins will play no part here, with Steve Smith captaining the side once again. This Test will also be a farewell for batsman Usman Khawaja, who has announced he will retire after the conclusion of the contest. It remains to be seen what changes – if any – the Aussies make to their XI following the Melbourne loss.
Australia Fifth Test 15-Man Squad: Smith, Boland, Carey, Doggett, Green, Head, Inglis, Khawaja, Labuschagne, Murphy, Neser, Richardson, Starc, Weatherald, Webster.
With Gus Atkinson joining Jofra Archer and Mark Wood on England’s treatment table, Matthew Potts and Shoaib Bashir have been called up to the official 12-man squad. Underfire Ollie Pope misses out again, with Jacob Bethell expected to take on the No3 role after impressing at the MCG.
England Fifth Test 12-Man Squad: Stokes, Bashir, Bethell, Brook, Carse, Crawley, Duckett, Jacks, Potts, Root, Smith, Tongue.
Australia vs England: Fifth Test Odds
*All odds are subject to change
Australia are favourites for the win here at a price of 1.61, while an England victory is at odds of 3.11. Weather could play a part in Sydney, so the draw is 6.40.
Australia vs England: Fifth Test Betting Tips
Draw no bet – Australia @ 1.40
The forecast in Sydney is not looking the best, which is a bit of a shame. With the potential for thunderstorms and rain, a draw looks more likely than in previous Tests. So if you want to play it safe with your wager, this selection looks ideal. The Aussies will be desperate to respond after a lacklustre display in Melbourne, and they have not suffered a loss at the SCG since 2011 – ironically against Andrew Strauss’ touring England side. Australia beat India by six wickets in Sydney last January.
England 1st innings top bowler – Josh Tongue @ 3.15
From an England perspective, the Boxing Day Test was all about Tongue. The seamer made the most of the conditions and blew Australia’s batters away, even clean bowling Smith in the first innings. The angle Tongue creates with his action has proven very tricky for the Aussie top order, while his ability to mop up the tail is a huge asset for Stokes.
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