The Sydney Pink Test is one of the most iconic dates on the cricketing calendar as the countdown to Thursday’s first ball begins.
With the series tied 1-1, this shapes up to be a crucial match for the Aussies as they hope to forget all about the horrors of Melbourne, while the Indian side will sense the importance of a win with the treacherous Brisbane wicket up next.
The current $1.67 price is the longest quote we’ve seen about Australia in this series and it is largely due to the uncertainty atop the order.
With some good value on offer, be sure to find out who we’re backing in our Third Test Preview below!
Match Betting
Australia and India played out a draw when these two sides met in the 2019 New Year’s Test and it wouldn’t be surprising if things turned out to be just as close.
Australian selectors have already made the obvious decision by dropping Joe Burns, but it remains to be seen if David Warner and Will Pucovski will rejoin the team.
Warner’s inclusion would strengthen the top of the order and in all likelihood take some pressure off Marnus Labuschagne, but his fitness at time of publish still remains in some doubt.
Pucovski is largely an unknown as he prepares for his Test debut, but aside from the top of the order, the biggest problem for Australia heading into this Third Test is their fielding.
The Aussies dropped eight catches during the first innings in Melbourne that allowed India to put up an unmatchable total of 326 runs.
Similar mistakes won’t fly in Sydney, particularly with Ajinkya Rahane and the up and coming Shubman Gill really starting to find form.
Speaking of form, the Australians would welcome the return of the old Steve Smith following a couple of flat performances in Adelaide and Melbourne.
Smith has looked a little uncomfortable at the crease, but the good news is the world’s top batsman has averaged 74.5 runs during his career at the SCG, so maybe a turnaround is imminent.
None of that will matter though if the Indian bowling attack brings the same fire they showed in Melbourne over to Sydney.
As always, Jasprit Bumrah was phenomenal at the MCG picking up six wickets, while Mohammed Siraj also had five of his own.
A repeat performance from both would be enough to heap even more pressure on the Aussies, but there is a case to be made for Australia’s bowlers on the Sydney wicket.
While the Melbourne pitch has always been the source of scrutiny, the SCG pitch tends to favour Australia.
The Aussies haven’t lost at the SCG since their 83-run defeat to England back in 2011 and they have also won and drawn twice with India on this ground since.
Everyone expected the likes of Smith Cheteshwar Pujara to dominate this series on the run-friendly surfaces, but it’s fair to say bowling has been the key to winning so far.
If Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon can combine for some big numbers, the Aussies should bounce back.
Tip: Back Australia to Win @ $1.67
Australia Top Run Scorer
Sydney was the site of Marnus Labuschagne’s first double century this time last year, and while he probably won’t post those kinds of numbers again, he does look great value to put up another big total.
Labuschagne was the sole reason Australia even came close to 200 runs in the first innings in Melbourne after scoring 48 off 132 balls.
With the openers in disarray and Smith in the midst of a slump, the 26-year-old is the safest bet.
Tip: Marnus Labuschagne @ $3.75
India Top Run Scorer
We got a pretty clear understanding of why India thinks so highly of their new young opener Shubman Gill during the Boxing Day Test.
The 21-year-old combined for 80 runs on debut and showed real class with the bat to set up a solid first innings partnership with Rahane.
Another huge knock would only strengthen his spot in this team and the $6.00 is a great price.
Tip: Shubman Gill @ $6.00
Australia Top Wicket Taker
Backing against Nathan Lyon following his 10-wicket haul at the SCG last year is pretty tough, but you do have to side with Pat Cummins and his equally fantastic numbers.
The world’s top bowler took eight wickets in Sydney back in 2018 and another four in the New Year’s Test last year.
He also gave up only 31 runs on 102 balls a fortnight ago in Melbourne, so if the wicket suits, he should be leading the charge once again.
Tip: Pat Cummins @ $3.50
India Top Wicket Taker
Ravi Ashwin hasn’t played a Test match at the SCG since 2015, but he’s almost impossible to back against following his efforts in both Adelaide and Melbourne so far.
The Indian veteran has combined for 10 wickets in this series so far and if the Sydney pitch plays to spinners like it has over the last few years, he could be in for another big weekend.
Tip: Ravi Ashwin @ $3.50