Punters desert reeling Australia ahead of pink ball Adelaide Test

NEW players, same old result.

That’s what Sportsbet.com.au punters are expecting ahead of the third test between Australia and South Africa this Thursday in Adelaide.

70 per cent of punters have backed the visiting team, which already leads the series 2-0 after emphatic wins in Perth and Hobart.

South Africa sit at just $2, Australia is at $2.75 and the draw is paying $4.75.

Following the resignation of Australian selector Rod Marsh, new selectors Greg Chappell and Trevor Hohns introduced what they hope will be a new guard for the baggy green.

Matt Renshaw, Peter Handscomb and Nic Maddinson have been thrust into the firing line as debut batsmen. Medium swing bowler Chadd Sayers is also a chance to make his first appearance, while Jackson Bird will return to the bowling attack and Matthew Wade will retake the gloves for the first time since 2013.

Of the debutantes, Matt Renshaw is priced at $6 to be Australia’s first innings leading run scorer, but eight times more money has come in for Victorian Peter Handscomb at odds of $7. Nic Maddison is priced at $8, while the returning Matthew Wade priced at $15.

Comeback kid Jackson Bird is absolutely, completely friendless in the leading wicket-taker market. Sportsbet hasn’t taken a bet on Bird – 90 per cent of betting in that market has gone to either Mitchell Starc ($2.70) or Josh Hazelwood ($3)

“Australia’s form with the red ball has been deplorable of late and punters are tipping it will be more of the same with the pink ball. All eyes will be on the debutants, with Peter Handscomb the pick to be Australia’s leading run scorer if the flow of money is any indication,” said sportsbet.com.au’s Ben Bulmer.

Australia leading run scorer – first innings

$3.75 David Warner
$3.75 Steve Smith
$4 Usman Khawaja
$6 Matt Renshaw
$7 Peter Handscomb
$8 Nic Maddison
$15 Matthew Wade
$67 Mitchell Starc
$101 Chadd Sayers
$101 Josh Hazelwood
$151 Nathan Lyon

Australia leading wicket taker – first innings

$2.70 Mitchell Starc
$3 Josh Hazelwood
$4.50 Chadd Sayers
$4.50 Nathan Lyon
$5.50 Jackson Bird
$26 Steve Smith