Ashes 5th Test cricket picks & betting preview – July 27, 2023

England v Australia best bets – Fifth Test

Fifth Test Ashes match preview

The final Test of the 2023 Ashes series begins on Thursday at The Oval in London, concluding a classic series between England and Australia.

The fourth Test at Old Trafford was largely dominated by the English side. But with rain delays affecting the final two days, the Aussies escaped with a draw, retaining the Ashes as they hold their 2-1 lead.

In the 2019 Ashes series, the Aussies also retained the urn with one match to play; however, they were beaten comfortably in the final Test, meaning the series ended as a draw. Looking to win the Ashes in England for the first time in 22 years, Australia will feel the job isn’t done yet.

As has happened throughout the series so far, expect changes to the bowling line-ups for both sides through rotation. For the English, Ollie Robinson or Josh Tongue could come in for either of the veteran fast bowlers James Anderson and Stuart Broad.

After missing a spinner in the last Test by choosing to play two seam-bowling allrounders, the Aussies may consider bringing back Todd Murphy for this one. There were also injury concerns surrounding Mitchell Starc, which may see Scott Boland return to the lineup.

Fifth Test betting predictions – Ashes 2023

Coming back to the venue where they won the World Test Championship six weeks ago, the Aussies will be looking for a similar result. Hundreds to Steve Smith and Travis Head headlined that match, and Australia will require a similar performance if they are going to win this one.

With so many starts that weren’t converted in the first innings at Old Trafford, the Australian batsmen certainly aren’t out of form – despite the disappointing total of 317 in decent batting conditions. And after their poor display in the final Test of the 2019 Ashes with a series win on the line, expect the Aussies to be up for the fight.

While rain is forecast at certain points of this match, the rapid English run rate will speed up play. As +175 underdogs with the best Ashes sportsbooks, the Aussies are great value to wrap up the series with victory at The Oval.

After a score of 163 in the WTC and sitting as Australia’s second-highest runscorer for the series, Head looks set for a match-defining innings in this Test. Batting at five, when conditions are usually easier, the South Australian lefty attacks the loose deliveries and strikes at the fastest rate of the Aussie batsmen. We like him to be the top scorer in the first innings for Australia at +460 with top cricket betting sites.

With concerns surrounding the availability of Mitchell Starc and the durability of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood presents as the danger man in the Aussie attack. Promoted to opening the bowling, Hazlewood took five wickets in the first innings at Old Trafford by sticking to his regular line and length. With the English looking to play their shots early against a swinging ball, Hazlewood shows good value at +325 to take the most wickets for Australia in the first innings.

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