2019 Ashes betting tips – Third Test, Headingley
- By: Michael Maguire
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| England | -109.89 at William Hill | Place Bet |
| Draw | +580 at William Hill | Place Bet |
| Australia | +160 at William Hill | Place Bet |
The 2019 Ashes series is delicately poised ahead of the third Test at Headingley, which starts this Thursday.
The three-day turnaround leaves little time to reflect on a rain-affected yet highly eventful draw at Lord’s.
Josh Hazlewood, Stuart Broad, Ben Stokes and Jack Leach all had star turns, but Jofra Archer’s devastating spell on Saturday afternoon grabbed the headlines and may well have shaped the series.
The England debutante felled Steve Smith with a brutal bouncer to force the first-ever use of the concussion substitute in Test cricket, with Marnus Labuschagne stepping in on day five.
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The Queensland allrounder’s inclusion proved critical as he hit a hard-fought 59 to help secure a draw after the Australian top order crumbled once again.
With Smith expected to sit out the next match, that knock will have all but assured Labuschagne of a place in the starting XI at Leeds.
But that might not be the only change to the Aussie lineup.
Opening bats Cameron Bancroft and David Warner are both under serious scrutiny, with the latter still yet to reach double figures after four innings.
That could mean a recall for Marcus Harris, who was one of the unlucky incumbents to make way when Bancroft and Warner returned from suspension.
The other big question for the visitors is which of their six quicks will get the nod in Yorkshire.
Josh Hazlewood impressed in the first innings at Lord’s in place of the rested James Pattinson, while Pat Cummins and Peter Siddle were the pick of the bowlers in the second dig.
Archer’s immediate impact for the hosts could also inspire a recall for Mitchell Starc, the fastest of the Australian bowling options.
England have one or two issues to iron out as well.
Jason Roy has flopped at the top of the order, while Joe Denly’s inability to capitalise on solid starts is also cause for concern.
Joe Root has struggled to make an impact at first drop, so there could be a reshuffle even if the English selectors stick with the same top seven.
Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope are among the specialist bats on standby, while wicketkeeper Ben Foakes is also an option if Jonny Bairstow moves up the order.
England vs Australia 3rd Test top batsman betting
Rory Burns – +400 at BetOnline
It is not often you see a batsman revamp their technique after scoring a ton, but Burns looked a much tidier player at Lord’s. He is the only man in England’s top order with any real form, so back him in for another solid contribution in the first innings.
Travis Head – +700 at BetOnline
If Steve Smith plays, he is the automatic choice to top score for the Aussies. If not, you have to look a little ways down the order to find the other men in form. Head has fought well in the first two Tests and looks close to a breakout innings.
England vs Australia 3rd Test top bowler odds
Stuart Broad – +225 at BetOnline
Jofra Archer and Jack Leach almost bowled the Brits to victory at Lord’s, but Broad has looked the pick of the England bowlers in the early stages of games. He has nine first-innings wickets this series and will add to that tally at Headingley.
Pat Cummins – +225 at BetOnline
All of the Aussie bowlers have made big contributions over the first two Tests, but it is Cummins who tops the series wicket-taking charts with 13 victims at 16.80 apiece. His versatility means you can just about bank on Pat for multiple wickets in any conditions.
England vs Australia 3rd Test betting predictions
England to win – -109.89 at BetOnline
With Australia almost certain to lose their standout player, England will never have a better chance to get on the board. The Aussies have too many selection questions to answer and their top-order bats will have to show a lot more than they have done so far.
