Ashes 5th Test betting tips, best odds & specials

BOTH teams are expected to make significant changes for the final Test of the 2017/18 Ashes series.

Mitchell Starc is a strong chance to return after missing the drawn Boxing Day Test with a bruised heel.

Australia could also name Ashton Agar as spin support for Nathan Lyon on a Sydney wicket that looks primed for turn.

That would almost certainly see Jackson Bird miss out after an ineffectual showing in Melbourne.

Cam Bancroft and Usman Khawaja have come under some scrutiny in the media, but both should retain their spots in the Aussie top order.

The big question for England is what to do about Moeen Ali.

The allrounder has contributed little of worth with bat or ball and looked utterly devoid of confidence at the MCG.

Young leg-spinner Mason Crane is tipped to make his Test debut at the SCG, but it remains to be seen whether he plays in tandem with Mooen or in place of him.

Nathan Lyon odds and specials

Man of the match	+1200	+1200	+1000
Top Australia wicket-taker	+340	+350	+300
Over 2.5 wickets (first innings)	+165	–	–

Australia’s most prolific finger spinner has reached new heights in 2017.

A terrific tour of the subcontinent has segued seamlessly into a best-ever series on home soil.

Lyon is hunting wickets every over and getting the ball to talk when others cannot.

Imagine how dangerous he will be on a wicket that is expected to favour spin?

Top wicket-taker and man of the match honours are both serious possibilities.

Australia vs. England match predictions

• Australia to win – -149.25 at William Hill
• Joe Root top batsman – +300 at Neds

England came to play in Melbourne.

However, it was clear that the visitors ran out of ideas as Steve Smith and Mitch Marsh batted the Aussies to a draw.

Sydney should offer different conditions to anything else we have seen so far this series.

Can Crane or Ali match Lyon’s efficacy on a spinning wicket?

Probably not, but a bit of moisture could also bring Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad into play.

That also means Starc could run riot if he receives the green light from the Aussie medicos.

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