Worth taking punt on Clarke 100 and Haddin 50 when Ashes resumes
Published:It’s not the news England cricket fans wanted to hear, but when Australia resume on day two of the second Ashes Test at 273/5, they will do so with their two most dangerous batsmen at this particular ground at the crease.
If Aussie skipper Michael Clarke and wicketkeeper Brad Haddin can safely negotiate the usually dicey opening few overs of the day, then there is a distinct possibility they could lead Australia to a commanding first-innings total in the region of 400.
Not only did Clarke play a patient captain’s knock yesterday on a largely flat pitch, but both he and the man at the opposite end of the Adelaide strip, have enjoyed great success in Tests for Australia at the Oval.
We’ve already alluded to the fact that Haddin’s best ever Test effort with the willow of 169 came on this ground, while the veteran wicky averages exactly 122 at the Adelaide Oval.
Therefore, there would certainly be reason to back him to claw his way to a second half-century of this Ashes at 13/8.
Meanwhile, Clarke’s odds of 5/4 to rack up another Test hundred are tempting, considering he averages a fraction over a ton on this ground himself.
The pair also have Ashes-partnership credentials to back up their cases too, as in the 2009 series in England they strung together an impressive sixth-wicket stand of 185 at Lord’s.
With next to no pace reported by the players in this Adelaide track the likelihood is that England will have to rely again on their twin spin attack of Graeme Swann and Monty Panesar to find some turn – which was at least evident on day one.
Three dropped catches may have already cost England, though it’s still the 4/9 favourite in the next dismissal market.
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.
