Australia firm in Ashes 1st Test betting as Anderson pulls out

England have been dealt a huge blow in the lead-up to the 2021/22 Ashes series, as James Anderson has been ruled out of the first Test at the Gabba with a calf complaint.

British journalist George Dobell, writing for The Cricketer, broke the news on Tuesday, and online bookmakers have been quick to adjust their markets accordingly.

On Monday, Australia were pegged as $2.10 favourites to win the Brisbane Test, which starts this Wednesday, but Sportsbet.com.au has wound them into $1.90.

England were paying around $4.50 to spring an upset at the Gabba, but their head-to-head price has eased out to $5.

Stuart Broad ($3.25) is now the favourite to take the most wickets in the first innings for the visitors, with Ollie Robinson ($3.75) and Chris Woakes ($4) both tipped to make the XI.

With plenty of rain forecasted in Southeast Queensland throughout the week, there is a suggestion that Mark Wood ($4.33) will get the nod over spinner Jack Leach to form a five-pronged pace attack alongside Broad, Robinson, Woakes and allrounder Ben Stokes ($5.50).

Newly appointed captain Pat Cummins confirmed Australia’s Test XI over the weekend, with Travis Head getting the nod over Usman Khawaja and the under-pressure Mitchell Starc preferred to in-form paceman Jhye Richardson.

Ashes 1st Test match odds