Australia v Bangladesh 2nd Test betting tips & preview
Australia head to Mackay needing an immediate response after one of the biggest upsets in modern Test cricket, with Bangladesh taking a 1-0 lead into the second and final match of the series, beginning on Saturday, following their stunning nine-wicket victory in Darwin.
Betting sites still believe Pat Cummins’ side will bounce back despite the shock defeat, installing Australia as 1.14 favourites to level the series. Bangladesh remain outsiders at 9.50, while the draw (11.00) is considered only a slightly less likely result than another Tigers victory.
Australia’s odds have drifted significantly from the opening Test, when they were unbackable 1.01 favourites. The hosts were comprehensively outplayed in Darwin, with Bangladesh claiming their first-ever Test victory on Australian soil to leave the World Test Championship leaders searching for answers ahead of the historic first men’s Test at Mackay’s Great Barrier Reef Arena.
The Australians have already wielded the axe, dropping opener Jake Weatherald after scores of 23 and 0 in Darwin. Queenslander Matthew Renshaw has been recalled and is expected to slot straight into the XI, while Josh Hazlewood and Josh Inglis have both overcome minor fitness concerns and are available for selection.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, are expected to resist the temptation to make wholesale changes after producing one of the finest performances in the nation’s Test history. Left-arm quick Shoriful Islam has recovered from injury and is available, although the Tigers may stick with the attack that dismantled Australia twice inside 140 overs.
Australian form
Australia enter the second Test under pressure after surrendering a 1-0 series deficit despite fielding a near full-strength side in Darwin. The defeat snapped a run that had seen the hosts win seven of their previous nine Tests and leaves them needing victory in Mackay to avoid a rare home series defeat.
There are reasons for optimism. The pace trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood remains among the world’s best, while Steve Smith, Travis Head and Cameron Green, who was a rare shining light with a second innings century in the first Test, all have the pedigree to produce match-winning innings. Matthew Renshaw’s inclusion could also prove significant, with the left-hander the only player to score two first-class centuries at Great Barrier Reef Arena.
Bangladesh form
Confidence has never been higher in the Bangladesh camp. Their comprehensive victory in Darwin was the country’s first Test win in Australia and just the 10th away Test victory in its history. Mehidy Hasan Miraz starred with the ball while the batting unit made valuable contributions throughout the match, underlining the depth that has developed in recent years.
The Tigers now have the chance to complete one of the greatest overseas series wins in their history. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto is expected to stick with the same XI after every member of the side contributed to the famous victory, despite the return to fitness of left-arm seamer Shoriful Islam.
Australia v Bangladesh odds
Despite the shock result in Darwin, bookmakers continue to heavily favour Australia to square the series. The hosts are paying 1.14 to win in Mackay, with Bangladesh available at 9.50 to complete an extraordinary 2-0 sweep. The draw is quoted at 11.00.
The market suggests bettors expect Australia’s class to shine through at a venue making its Test debut, although Bangladesh’s confidence will be sky high after one of the most memorable victories in the nation’s cricket history.
Australia v Bangladesh Test Odds
Second Test – Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay
Australia v Bangladesh betting tips
WGL’s cricket betting expert has assessed the markets and found some value Australia v Bangladesh tips:
Matthew Renshaw 50+ runs
Renshaw couldn’t have asked for a better venue for his Test recall. The Queenslander has scored two first-class centuries at Great Barrier Reef Arena and knows these conditions as well as anyone. With a point to prove after replacing Jake Weatherald at the top of the order, we like him to make an immediate impact. He is paying 1.88 to score more than 27.5 runs in the first dig, while you can get a whopping 8.00 on him top-scoring in the innings.
Najmul Hossain Shanto to top score
Najmul Hossain Shanto, the Tigers captain, was outstanding in the opening Test and again looms as a central figure in Mackay. He’s paying 5.50 to top score in the Tigers first innings, and if he misses he’ll be around the same mark in the second. We expect the Aussies to be better with the new ball, which will leave Hossain Shanto in prime positions to make runs in the middle order.
Mitchell Starc most wickets
Starc enters the match needing just three wickets to become only the third Australian to claim 400 international wickets at home. Expect the left-armer to attack relentlessly with the new ball as Australia look to hit back after their disappointing first Test performance. Starc is paying 3.50 to top the Aussies wickets in the first innings, which looks to be value on a pitch that should suit him. If the pitch is spinning, and you’re willing to keep faith in Nathan Lyon, he should be at decent odds to bowl Australia to a victory in the second innings.
Australia v Bangladesh 2nd Test prediction
Bangladesh thoroughly deserved their victory in Darwin and have earned enormous respect heading into Mackay. However, Australia rarely lose consecutive home Tests and the changes to the batting line-up should bring fresh energy. Arguably the most disappointing thing for the Aussies was their bowling attack, with their veterans struggling for impact and if this happens again the Tigers could win this clash. Expect Bangladesh to be competitive once again, but Australia’s class, experience and desperation to avoid a home series defeat should see Cummins’ men bounce back and square the series at 1-1. If the Aussies lose a Royal Commission and major changes will be in the wind.
