Australia move odds-on to win thanks to Clarke and Haddin
Published:Michael Clarke and Brad Haddin batted Australia into the ascendency on day two of the second Test. The experienced pair shared a sixth wicket stand of 200 to help the home side plunder England’s bowlers for 570 runs before declaring nine wickets down.
As a result the Aussies have moved to odds-on favourites at 8/11, while England have serious work to do in order to ensure the 6/5 on the draw is a bet that lands. With 370 the golden number for the tourists to avoid the follow-on, anybody who takes the 25/1 on England winning is an optimist of the highest order.
Clarke, who was the first of the day’s wickets, continued his well-publicised love affair with the Adelaide Oval as he recorded a 26th Test match ton on his way to 148, before being removed by debutant Ben Stokes.
By that time the score had rattled along to 457 and although Mitchell Johnson and Peter Siddle were both sent packing soon after by Graeme Swann and Stokes respectively, Ryan Harris was able to provide impressive support to Haddin in a stand of 46.
The wicketkeeper joined his skipper in the three-figure stakes, keeping his own formidable record at the south Australian ground alive with a score of 118, before nicking behind to Matt Prior off Stuart Broad.
Ryan Harris and Nathan Lyon then continued to batter England’s hopes with an unbroken stand of 41, with Harris ending on 55 not out.
In reply, Johnson showed that his express pace wasn’t exaggerated by the quick Brisbane pitch in the first Test, clocking 95 miles per hour during his spells, and knocking back Alastair Cook’s off peg for just three early on.
While Michael Carberry and Joe Root safely negotiated the remainder of the day, leaving England 35-1 at the close, it’s abundantly clear which side is in the driving seat for the match, as the odds show.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim three £10 free bets when you bet £10.
