The upcoming New Year’s Test is about to kick off as Australia welcomes Pakistan to the Sydney Cricket Ground. Can Australia secure a 3-0 series win and hold onto the Benaud-Qadir Trophy?
The upcoming New Year’s Test is about to kick off as Australia welcomes Pakistan to the Sydney Cricket Ground. Can Australia secure a 3-0 series win and hold onto the Benaud-Qadir Trophy?
Australia v PakistanThird Test Odds & Match Info |
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Best odds | Australia -303.03 at Nags.bet | Pakistan +900 at Nags.bet |
When | January 3 – January 7, 2024 |
Where | Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney |
The upcoming New Year’s Test is about to kick off as Australia welcomes Pakistan to the Sydney Cricket Ground. Can Australia secure a 3-0 series win and hold onto the Benaud-Qadir Trophy?
The first Test in Perth saw Australia dominate, winning by a hefty 360 runs. However, the Melbourne Boxing Day match was more evenly contested, with Pakistan showing significant improvement, especially in their bowling performance during Australia’s second innings. A better fielding effort might have altered the outcome in their favor.
David Warner is set to play his final Test match in an unchanged Australian lineup, mirroring Pakistan’s expected unchanged XI for this crucial cricket match.
Weather forecasts for Sydney aren’t promising, indicating a 40% chance of rain from Thursday to Sunday. The ICC’s rules make it challenging to resume play once the players leave the ground due to rain interruptions.
The Sydney Cricket Ground hasn’t been favorable for conclusive Test results due to lost days from poor weather. While Australia hasn’t suffered a defeat here since 2011, six of the last ten Tests in Sydney have ended in draws, including the last three matches. Considering historical trends and weather predictions, a +350 bet for a draw seems enticing.
Recent toss history favors Australia, who have batted first in the last three SCG Tests. Warner, with an impressive average of nearly 50 at his home ground, presents a safe bet with the online sportsbooks of scoring over 31.5 runs in what might be his final Test innings.
Josh Hazelwood boasts a strong record at the SCG, ranking sixth in all-time wicket-takers at the venue. His bowling style aligns well with the conditions, benefiting from lateral movement off the wicket and tricky bounce. A bet of +120 for Hazelwood to take more than two wickets in the first innings appears to be excellent value at Nags.bet.