Boxing Day Test 2023 betting tips & odds – Australia v Pakistan

Australia v Pakistan match preview – Boxing Day Test

The time-honoured Boxing Day Test kicks off on Tuesday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground with Australia looking to take a 2-0 lead in their three-match series against Pakistan.

Australia have released Lance Morris from the squad, with Cameron Green and Scott Boland remaining with the group. Following a dominant win in Perth, the home side is expected to name an unchanged XI for the final Test of the year.

Pakistan will be without Khurram Shahzad — their star performer from the first Test — for the remainder of the series after scans revealed a stress fracture in his ribs. His replacement is yet to be confirmed and Pakistan are not expected to make any further changes to their side.

Australia v Pakistan top picks & odds

Boxing Day Test betting predictions

While Pakistan showed some fight in the first innings in Perth, the holes in their lineup were cruelly exploited in the second. With their most damaging bowler sidelined, the job only gets tougher for the visitors in Melbourne. Despite the threat of rain on days one and two of the Test, Australia are deserving favourites to win at -344.83 with top online bookmakers.

David Warner returns to the MCG 12 months after his incredible double-century in his 100th Test for Australia. The left-hander is also the highest runscorer against Pakistan in Australia since 2000, scoring 1,009 runs at an average of 126 with five centuries to his name. Coming into this year’s Boxing Day Test off a big hundred in Perth, Warner is an incredible value bet at +450 to be Australia’s leading runscorer in the first innings.

Mitchell Starc enters this Test after breaking the record for the highest auction deal in IPL history. The veteran left-arm quick is also the leading wicket-taker against Pakistan in Australia since 2000. After taking five wickets in the opening Test, Starc is solid value at +250 to be Australia’s leading wicket-taker in the first innings in Melbourne.

More sports betting tips