Ashes 2nd Test betting tips & top odds – Adelaide, Dec 16-20

Australia will be looking to keep a foot on England’s throat when the 2021/22 Ashes series resumes this Thursday afternoon at Adelaide Oval.

The Pat Cummins era got off to an absolute flyer at the Gabba, where the hosts were in control from the moment Mitchell Starc cleaned up Rory Burns with the very first ball of the series.

Joe Root and Dawid Malan gave the Brits a glimmer of hope with a strong partnership late on day three, but all that hard work was wiped out the following morning as the tourists gave up their last eight wickets for 74 runs.

England copped a barrage in the press for their controversial decision to leave out both James Anderson and Stuart Broad in Brisbane, and it is expected that both veteran seamers will return to the XI for the second Test.

Off-spinner Jack Leach is expected to drop out after a horror outing in the series opener, while Chris Woakes is also a chance to make way following yet another underwhelming display away from home.

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Those selection decisions may depend on the fitness of Ollie Robinson and Ben Stokes, who both appeared to be playing through some discomfort at various stages of the first Test, although the latest mail suggests the pair will play in Adelaide.

Australia did not leave Queensland unscathed either, with Josh Hazlewood (side strain) ruled out for the next Test and David Warner (ribs) racing the clock to prove his fitness.

West Australian quick Jhye Richardson is tipped to edge out Michael Neser for the vacant spot in the bowling attack, while Usman Khawaja is the frontrunner to open the batting should Warner be forced to sit out.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding both lineups, one thing we can be sure of is a decisive result under lights at Adelaide Oval.

The Aussies have won five consecutive day-night Tests in the South Australian capital, and only one of those matches – in 2017 against England – went to a fifth day.

Thus, it is easy to see why the top cricket bookmakers have the home side as $1.57 favourites, and why the draw is paying a whopping $7.50.

Australia vs England 2nd Test betting predictions

England top runscorer: Joe Root

He couldn’t quite get that elusive first Test ton in Australia, but the England captain was the pick of the visiting batters in Brisbane. If Root does not step up at some stage in the second Test, it is hard to see how the Poms can win it. We are backing him to make some runs in the first dig this time.

Australia top wicket-taker: Jhye Richardson

While it might be rough on Neser to miss out on a baggy green yet again, especially after taking five wickets for Australia A last week, Richardson appears to be the anointed one. The young quick has had a taste of Test cricket already and has been is red-hot form in the Sheffield Shield, so it should not surprise anyone if he takes a few in seam-friendly conditions under lights.

Match result: Australia

How can you bet against the hosts after such a comprehensive win at the Gabba? The Aussies are 5-0 in day-night Tests at Adelaide Oval, while it would take a huge effort from England to turn things around on such a short backup. Anderson and Broad might make a difference, but this is still Australia’s match to lose.