Expect plenty of runs over the next five days at the Gabba

It’s notorious for being a batsman’s treasure trove, and the Gabba should prove no different over the next five days of Ashes action.

Australia have declared in their last four second innings against England in Brisbane, with leads ranging from 348 runs to 648, and the Australian side are 5/6 to score more than 365.5 runs in their first innings.

Since England’s last win, the five Ashes Test’s at the Gabba have averaged a total of 1116 runs, and the bowling attack for both sides can expect a tough ride over the next five days.

Which means punters should focus on the Ashes batsman markets as the likes of Ricky Ponting and Andrew Strauss are set to dominate the match.

Since 1986, there have been 11 centuries in the five Ashes Tests which suggests at least one century will be witnessed inside the Gabba.

Both Ponting and Strauss are 4/1 to score a first innings century, but Shane Watson, playing his first Ashes Test in front of an Australian crowd, offers more value at 9/2 to score a first innings century.

One way to find potential value in the Ashes betting market is by predicting how many runs England will score in the first innings.

England can be expected to better their average, 230 at the Gabba in 36 innings since 1933, considering their recent form.

But their top score at the Gabba is 464, and they’ve only bettered 400 runs twice, suggesting a total in the mid to high 300’s is Andrew Strauss’ target.

England are 12/1 to score between 351 and 360 runs, with 361-370 available at 14/1 and 371-380 and 381-390 available at 16/1.

Strauss is 7/2 to be England’s top first innings runscorer and is joined at the top of the market by Kevin Pietersen.

A £10 stake on Jonathan Trott scoring the most runs in the first Test would return £90. New customers can sign up here for a free £10 bet.