Australia v England 2nd Test tips, prediction and odds analysis; Ashes preview 16/12

Welcome to our Australia v England tips, prediction and odds analysis for the second Ashes Test starting on Thursday at the Adelaide Oval.

As expected, Australia took a 1-0 lead in the opening Ashes Test, following an inspiring performance from new skipper Patrick Cummins and a lacklustre batting display from England.

This result has seen the Australians into an unbackable $1.11 to win the Ashes, after beginning the series at $1.33 to win the famous urn they hold after their successful 2019 campaign in England.

England are set to shuffle their team with key fast bowlers Stuart Broad and James Anderson set to be brought into the team for the pink ball Test, which should particularly suit the latter with the ball swinging around under lights. They may also consider dropping opener Rory Burns after his struggles in the opening Test.

Australia have suffered a blow with key paceman Josh Hazlewood suffering a side strain and being ruled out on Monday. This could open the door for the in-form Jhye Richardson and keeps Mitchell Starc in the team following his middling performance in the opening clash.

Opener David Warner is also under a cloud after suffering “serious bruising” after being struck on day 2 by a Ben Stokes bouncer. Usman Khawaja looms as the likely replacement if Warner is not passed fit.

England have been priced at a tempting $3.70 to win this clash, with the pink ball set to suit their bowling attack, although they will need more consistency from their top order if they are to upset Australia ($1.52).

Continue reading for our free Australia v England betting tips, prediction and odds for the second Ashes Test at the Adelaide Oval, running from December 16-20.

Start:	3pm AEST, December 16
Venue:	Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Head-to-head odds:	Australia ($1.52) v England ($3.70)
Top Run-scorer:	AUS: Marnus Labuschagne $3.50 David Warner $4, Steven Smith $3.50; ENG: Joe Root $2.63, Ben Stokes $4.50, Rory Burns $6.
Top Wicket-taker:	AUS: Mitchell Starc $4.33, Pat Cummins $3, Jhye Richardson $4; ENG: James Anderson $3.25, Stuart Broad $3.50, Ollie Robinson $4

Australia v England tips

Our cricket betting expert, as always, has cast their eye over the markets and found some value Australia v England tips:

Steve Smith to top score in Australia’s first innings

Steve Smith had just one bat in the opening Test, falling for 12 to Mark Wood, and we think he will be hell bent on continuing his love affair of the Ashes in Adelaide. Smith has a strong record at the Adelaide Oval and has batted several times under lights, with the pink ball there. We are backing him to score the most runs in Australia’s first innings at $4.50 with Sportsbet betting.

Stuart Broad to take most wickets

While James Anderson with the pink ball looms as a major threat in this clash, if he is selected, we think Stuart Broad offers more value for most wickets in the Aussies’ first knock. Broad has the wood over Aussie opener Warner and will also enjoy the extra movement the night game presents. He is paying $5 to take the most wickets in Australia’s first innings.

Travis Head to win man of the match

Travis Head was the man of the match in the first Test after his devastating century swung the match in the Aussies’ favour. Could this be the series the South Australian cements his place in the team and announces himself to the world? He is paying $15 in man of the match betting with PlayUp.

2nd Ashes Test prediction – Aus v Eng

Although it would be great for the series if England did win this Test, Australia look to be in the box seat in the 2nd Test, although the English bowling attack does look more menacing with Broad and Anderson back in play. From a Aus v Eng betting perspective it makes more sense to back the English team here if you are betting outright. We mark this game about 60-40 in the Aussies’ favour but the $1.52 on offer is a little short. Our advice is probably stick to the player markets here, but maybe we will update this closer to the start. Our final Australia v England prediction? Australia to go 2-0.

MORE BETTING TIPS