Beaten Australia should still battle on final day of Sydney Test
Published:Betting opportunities are limited on the final day of the fifth Test of the Ashes with England in such a commanding position, but Australia should still be expected to go down fighting.
Australia were reduced to 213/7 in their second innings, which is still 151 short of forcing England to bat again.
Although unlikely that the Australian tail will wag long enough to make this 151, the 5/6 offered in the Ashes betting market that they surpass 260 runs in their second innings looks good value.
Steven Smith and Peter Siddle are currently in the middle and showed their batting capabilities with a 42-run partnership at the end of the fourth day to frustrate England.
These two could occupy the crease for a reasonable period of time to delay England celebrations, while Ben Hilfenhaus is one of two batsmen left to come in.
Hilfenhaus made 34 in the first innings in Sydney and may be good for a small contribution again, while number 11 Michael Beer survived 17 balls in his first Test innings and could have some talent with the bat.
It is also 5/6 that England quickly seal their third victory in the series by an innings and dismiss Australia for 260 runs or less.
Australia are likely to attack with the bat with little to lose and this could lead to quick wickets, particularly as Graeme Swann’s spin bowling is expected to cause problems as the Sydney pitch begins to crack.
Siddle is considered the least talented of the two batsmen at the crease and is therefore 4/7 to be the next man out in the cricket betting.
Smith can be backed at this market at 5/4, but he may play more defensively as he looks to turn his current score of 24 into a 50.
A £10 bet on the next Australian wicket being a stumping could lead to a return of £160. New Ladbrokes customers can sign up here for a free £10 bet.
