There’s plenty of intrigue in game three of the Australian / South African cricket series. There’s pink balls, selection overhauls, argy-bargy in airports and ball tampering. Whatever happens, game three in Adelaide is sure to include some drama and some great betting opportunities.
Check out our thoughts on the day-night test:
The second test in Hobart was an unmitigated disaster for the Australians. Collapses in both innings and the lowest number of balls faced in a home test match since 1928, meant a heavy defeat by an innings and 80 runs. Australia made just 85 in the first dig and 161 in the second (from a position of 2/129); struggling in the face of quality seam bowling by Abbott, Rabada and Philander.
The loss has been the catalyst for a significant overhaul in election policies and personnel. Gone is former chief selector Rod Marsh, replaced by Trevor Hohns, and sweeping changes have been made to the squad (more below). The unsettling changes could mean Australia are facing the very real threat of a series whitewash, which could mean they’re favourites as they look to blood fresh players that are unscathed from the previous two results.
1 David Warner, 2 Matt Renshaw, 3 Usman Khawaja, 4 Steve Smith (capt), 5 Peter Handscomb, 6 Nic Maddinson, 7 Matthew Wade, 8 Mitchell Starc, 9 Josh Hazlewood, 10 Nathan Lyon, 11 Jackson Bird.
Australia has made a host of changes to the team that lost in Hobart. Out goes Joe Burns, Adam Voges, Peter Nevill, Joe Mennie and Callum Ferguson. In for their debuts are Renshaw, Handscomb and Maddinson. The selections are a significant shift in the Australian selectors thinking. Replacing older players with players of the future hasn’t always been their way (think Hussey, North, Voges and Rogers for players who made their debuts at late stages in their careers).
1 Stephen Cook, 2 Dean Elgar, 3 Hashim Amla, 4 JP Duminy, 5 Faf du Plessis (capt), 6 Temba Bavuma, 7 Quinton de Kock (wk), 8 Vernon Philander, 9 KA Maharaj 10 Kyle Abbott, 11 Kagiso Rabada.
No changes expected for the South Africans after Far du Plessis was fined for ball tampering but not suspended.
David Warner – The left-hander has been the biggest disappointment in the series thus far. As always, he’s looking a million dollars every time he bats, but, he just can’t seem to go on with it and get the huge 170 that Australia is desperately seeking. As an important member of the senior leadership team, he needs to convert starts (aside from the 1 he scored in the first innings of game two, he’s had a start each time) into long innings and platforms for his middle order.
Quinton de Kock – In the mould of Adam Gilchrist, de Kock has had a huge influence on this series. Scores of 64, 84, 104 not only display some beautiful symmetry and code but also evidence a batsman in exceptional form. If he can continue his free-scoring fun, even against the pink ball, South Africa will be well on the way to achieving the 3-0.
Australia – $2.60 at Ladbrokes.
South Africa – $2.10 at Bet365.
Draw – $6.40 at Betfair.
The great leveller in game three is the pink ball. Notoriously difficult to see, prone to swinging and just a little unusual (just ask Matthew Wade, the colour blind keeper has admitted to having some issues seeing the ball); the pink ball and lights could even up the contest. It appears bookies are thinking the same way with less separating the teams than the first two tests would indicate.
We actually like Australia to win this one. They have more experience against the pink ball, and we’ve seen too many unlikely wins on the back of coach and player changes to tempt a nice turnaround script.
There’s been plenty of money on Usman Khawaja ($4.70) and Matt Renshaw ($6) to be Australia’s top batsman. However, depending on when the top order face-off against the new ball, the top three might not be the safe option. What about Nic Maddinson at $7.60 instead.
On the bowling side of things, why not consider Vernon Philander to take wickets and thus be named man of the match ($13). If any bowler in world cricket can exploit a wobbling ball and favourable atmospheric conditions, it’s Philander.
Betfair:
Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.
Paddypower:
Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.
Betway:
Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.
Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.
