Ashes First Test Betting Tips: Three cracking bets for the series opener

The five match Ashes series starts in less than 24 hours time and we have enlisted our cricket specialist @OddsTerrier to preview the test and pick out a few attractive propositions for your betting needs.

"This is it! Don't get scared now..." - No, not you Kevin McCallister, loveable eight year old star of Christmas classic Home Alone. But you, Joseph Edward Root, MBE. The first English cricketer for over 100 years to captain a touring side Down Under for a second time. 

Root has publicly stated that his captaincy of England will be defined by this Ashes tour and it's hard to argue with that. Root is a phenomenal cricketer but doubts remain, not only about his captaincy at the highest level, but also about his batting record in Australia. He's never reached three figures here in three losing tours and will be looking to prove that he can carry his ridiculous form in 2021 (1398 runs at 69.90 ave) into this series. He's up against a spiteful, horrible Australian attack that has had his number in the past. Particularly his now opposite captain, Pat Cummins. Cummins has dismissed him seven times in three series.

Australia are massive series favourites. They are best priced 1/3 to win and as low as 8/1 to win 5-0. This looks like being the most one-sided Ashes contest since the infamous Andrew Flintoff 5-0 tour. However, with the first test being held in cold and wet Brisbane could this be a slight advantage for England to grab a firm foothold in this series? 

It's affected my thinking for my selections and I'll explain why below. I've got a 9/4, 3/1 and 8/1 shot for your perusal. 

As always if you decide to hop on board, Please stick to your limits and bet responsibly.

Likely teams:

Australia: David Warner, Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.

England: Joe Root (c), Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Haseeb Hameed, Jack Leach, Dawid Malan, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.

England will make a last minute decision between going for a five man pace attack and the spin option of Jack Leach. Jimmy Anderson has been rested and Jonny Bairstow has been dropped for Ollie Pope at number six.

There is a lot of rain in the Brisbane area. A LOT. La Niña - the once-in-a-decade weather formation that will continue to bring cold weather and rain to the east coast of Australia until the end of January, has already caused havoc with the tourists pre-ashes preparation. England have only had three days of outdoor match practice since landing in Brisbane and it's expected to continue here.

There is heavy rain and thunderstorms forecast for Wednesday through to Friday which should result in little cricket being played. Now, there is every chance that these teams will use the wet, cooler conditions and green wicket to their advantage(see below), but I can't see a result being reached here and the draw at 9/4 looks too large given the weather conditions. The Aussies are priced 10/11 for the test win at the Gabba and England are 4/1.

As mentioned above, this weather should benefit England's bowlers. The Gabbatoir pitch looks green and that should suit the likes of Ollie Robinson and Stuart Broad. With the Goat Jimmy Anderson rested this should give Robinson in particular a huge boost with the new ball. Its unclear if Broad will be selected in front of Jack Leach so the big paceman Robinson looks the sensible option as top English 1st innings bowler. 

Let's not forget Steve Smith, David Warner, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood haven't played any test cricket since the losing India series in February. The tall, rangy Robinson isn't a huge swinger of the ball but his extra bounce and nip off this green top should cause huge problems for the Aussie top order and I'm backing him at 3/1 here to end the first innings with a bagful of wickets. 

That said, class will out. And the two top batsmen in this contest are clearly Steve Smith and Joe Root. They are their respective countries talismans' and can thrive against any attack and on any surface. I'm liking the odds of 8/1 at Paddy Power for them to be the top run scorers in the first innings. Even better, if England win then Paddies will refund all losing #WhatsOddPaddy bets so this gives you an little extra cushion. 

You can click the link above which will take you directly to the betslip to place. 

I will have regular previews for each test match so bookmark our cricket page for all your Ashes betting info!