The urn returns to the Gabba on Wednesday to mark the start of the first Ashes Test between Australia and England.
Justin Langer’s side will be looking to put a wild month of scrutiny behind them, while England will be hoping to prey on the distractions caused by disgraced former captain, Tim Paine.
Despite everything going on, Australia remains the short-priced favourite to not only win the First Test, but also claim the series.
With a new era of Australian cricket set to unfold, find out who we’re backing in our Ashes First Test Preview here!
Match Betting
Australia remains the short-priced favourite heading into day one of Pat Cummins’ captaincy at the Gabba.
The Australian squad is similar to the one we saw last summer, with the obvious omission being Tim Paine following the sexting scandal that erupted last month.
How the team has handled the off-field distractions over the last few weeks will be on full display in Brisbane, but there really is no excuse for the Aussies with two of the world’s top batsman, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, taking the field.
England has also sent a strong squad down under after COVID caused plenty of doubt earlier in the year.
Captain Joe Root headlines the squad alongside all-rounder Ben Stokes, while Stuart Broad will shoulder even more responsibility now that James Anderson has been scratched.
Australia’s track record at the Gabba largely explains the odds on offer, but after South East Queensland has spent the better part of the last fortnight under a deluge, there’s a good chance the First Test gets washed out.
Rain is forecast in Brisbane on all five days, while you can’t discount the likes of David Warner struggling atop the order.
The fact England has lost nine of its last 10 Tests in Australia since 2011 is telling, but with weather about, the odds on a Draw is too good to pass up.
Tip: Draw @ $2.95
Australia Top 1st Innings Runscorer
Marnus Labuschagne has arguably been the star of the last two summers, and there is certainly a lot to like about him leading the charge again for the Aussies in the First Test.
The 27-year-old flashed potential during the 2019 Ashes series where he averaged over 50 runs across all four matches.
He’s also scored two centuries at the Gabba in the past, making him a much safer investment than Steve Smith, who struggled at times against India last year.
Tip: Back Marnus Labuschagne @ $4.00
England Top 1st Innings Runscorer
Rory Burns is the likely opener for England as the lefty hopes to make the Aussies pay, just like he did in 2019.
Burns pummeled the Aussies for a century in Birmingham, going on to average 39 runs across all five matches.
His recent form suggests a similar performance could be imminent, too.
After a tough First Test against India in Nottingham, Burns bounced back to score 49, 51, 5, and 50 in his next four innings.
Tip: Rory Burns @ $6.00
Australia Top 1st Innings Wicket Taker
Hard to go past a man that has taken 52 wickets in only 10 Test matches against England.
With a new sense of responsibility on his shoulders, Pat Cummins will be hoping to add to those numbers in his first Test as captain.
To further strengthen his claim, Cummins has taken 25 wickets in four Test appearances at the Gabba, making him the rightful favourite in Wicket Taker betting.
Tip: Pat Cummins @ $3.25
England Top 1st Innings Wicket Taker
Stuart Broad is no stranger to The Ashes stage.
Wednesday will mark the start of his seventh Ashes series, and it’s fair to say he’s had his fair share of success against the Aussies having taken 118 wickets in 32 matches.
The Gabba crowd will make it as difficult as possible, but with an increased workload now that Anderson has been ruled out, Broad is the best bet to lead England’s bowling attack.
Tip: Stuart Broad @ $3.50