The Boxing Day Test is one of the highlights of the Australian sporting year and Australia and Pakistan will do battle in what will be another intriguing Test at the MCG on Monday.
Australia dominated the first Test from the outset, but some tired bowling and questionable captaincy from Steve Smith almost allowed Pakistan to complete a truly historic comeback.
Australia will start this Test as dominant favourites, but Pakistan are sure to have taken plenty of confidence from their spirted fightback at the Gabba.
Head To Head Betting
Australia were in control for the majority of the first Test against Pakistan and they will start this clash as $1.40 favourites, while Pakistan and the draw are both $5.50.
The Australian fast-bowlers bowled a great deal of overs in the second innings of the opening Test and it is fair to say that they were very tired by the concluding stages of the Test.
They have had a good break before this second Test, but the like of Mitchell Starc, Jose Hazlewood and Jackson Bird could still take some tired bodies into this Test and may struggle to take the 20 wickets required to win.
It is tough to see Pakistan being able to take the 20 wickets that will be required to win this Test, but an improved Pakistan batting effort could see them come away with a draw.
Back Pakistan To Win @ $5.50
Man Of The Match
Steve Smith, Dave Warner and Mitchell Starc are all locked in a battle for favouritism in our Man Of The Match betting market.
Smith was nothing short of dominant during the opening Test and there is no Pakistan bowler that was really able to trouble him.
He made over 200 runs without being dismissed in the Boxing Day Test last year and I expect him to dominate once again.
Back Steve Smith To Be Named Man Of The Match @ $7
Top Australia 1st Innings Runscorer
Steve Smith ($3.50) is currently a narrow favourite from David Warner ($3.75), Usman Khawaja ($5), Matt Renshaw ($6) and Peter Handscomb ($8).
As I’ve said above, I expect Steve Smith to absolutely dominate and the only reason he might not top-score is if Dave Warner and Matt Renshaw both go big before he gets a chance to bat.
Back Steve Smith to be Australia’s Top 1st Innings Runscorer @ $3.50
Top Pakistan 1st Innings Runscorer
Gabba hero Azhar Ali is now an equal favourite with Misbah Ul-Haq at a quote of $5 from the likes of Younis Khan ($5.50), Sami Aslam ($6) and Babar Azam ($6).
After his outstanding knock at the Gabba, it is very tough to go past Azhar Ali.
While the likes of Misbah Ul-Haq and Younis Khan never looked comfortable in either innings, he was able to make a stellar Australian bowling line-up look very average and he looks in for a big series.
Back Azhar Ali to be Pakistan’s top 1st Innings Runscorer @ $5