The first test of this year’s Ashes series is upon us as England look to win back the urn from Australia for the first time since 2015. We’ve previewed the series and put together some of our best betting tips from the latest cricket odds.
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The Ashes 2023 Series Preview
Under the stewardship of Brendon McCullum and with Ben Stokes the captain, England will be looking to win an Ashes series for the first time in eight years. After dominating the first half of the 2010s, England have been beaten twice on Australian soil, either side of a 2-2 draw in England.
England’s squad has been weakened by injuries in the build-up to the series, with pace bowler Jofra Archer and lead spinner Jack Leach both ruled out. In contrast, Australia head to Edgbaston in full strength, having just obliterated the world’s number one test team India in a preparation match.
Australia have a far superior home record in the Ashes, winning 90 and losing 56 of 172 matches down under. By comparison, England have won 52 and lost 50 of their 168 matches against Australia at home, with an incredible 66 ending in draws.
Unfortunately for England, a draw is not enough and would see Australia retain the urn for a fourth consecutive Ashes. This is a feat England have not achieved since winning eight times in a row from the Ashes inception in 1882-1890.
The Ashes Betting Odds
Here are the current odds on some of the most popular outright markets ahead of the 2023 Ashes.
Australia to retain the Ashes:
Yes – 1.50
No – 2.40
Draw no bet:
Australia – 1.65
England – 2.10
England top bowler:
Ollie Robinson – 4.50
Jimmy Anderson – 6.00
Stuart Broad – 7.50
Mark Wood – 11.00
Chris Woakes – 13.00
Australia top bowler:
Pat Cummins – 5.00
Nathan Lyon – 5.50
Mitchell Starc – 8.00
Josh Hazlewood – 8.00
Scott Boland – 8.00
England top batsman:
Joe Root – 4.33
Ollie Pope – 8.00
Harry Brook – 10.00
Ben Duckett – 11.00
Ben Stokes – 13.00
Australia top batsman:
Steve Smith – 3.50
Marnus Labuschagne – 6.50
David Warner – 10.00
Usman Khawaja – 11.00
Travis Head – 15.00
The Ashes Betting Tips
England top bowler: Jimmy Anderson – 6.00
England’s second-highest wicket-taker in Ashes history (behind Broad), Jimmy Anderson’s performance is absolutely crucial to England’s chances of taking back the urn. His scintillating swing bowling is second to none on his day.
Australia top batsman: Steve Smith – 3.50
Love him or hate, Steve Smith has consistently terrorised England’s bowling attack since arriving on the scene. He is currently second in ICC’s world test batsman rankings, just behind compatriot Marnus Labuschagne, but Smith’s record is slightly better against England.
He has scored 3044 runs in 56 innings against England with a 59.68 average (compared to Labuschagne’s 45.86 average). Smith also has a double century against England to his name and scored 121 in the Aussies’ warm-up match against India.
Australia to retain the Ashes – 1.50
With all the injuries in the England camp, Australia just look too strong. If both are at their very best, the Aussies will be favoured to take the Ashes back home.
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