After wrapping up the series in Melbourne, the Aussies will look to make it a 3-0 white wash and an unbeaten Australian Test summer when they take on South Africa at the SCG.
It’s been one of the most dominant Australian summers in recent memory but it’s come with a heavy toll. The Aussies will be without tearaway quick Mitchell Starc and young all rounder Cam Green who both suffered finger injuries during the Boxing Day Test.
South Africa has played well in patches but definitely have not been up to scratch this tour. Their top order as a whole is averaging a dismal 16 runs (Yes that’s the top 4 batsmen combined) and have failed to set the tone for any sort of contest.
There is rain forecasted for the first four days of this test and everyone is hoping it stays away from one of the most iconic Tests on the Aussie Calendar.
As always, I’ve run my eyes over the scorecards and the markets and have your back for tips.
Here’s my preview of the 3rd Test.
My Predicted Australia XI
- D. Warner
- U. Kwawaja
- M. Labuschagne
- S. Smith
- T. Head
- A. Agar
- A. Carey (WK)
- P. Cummins (C)
- J. Hazelwood
- N. Lyon
- S. Boland
Due to a couple injuries there have been a few call ups to the squad. Matt Renshaw and Ashton Agar received phonecalls but I don’t see any reason why Renners would get in.
He is 100% the future opening bat for Australia but our batsmen have all hit centuries this summer and Marcus Harris is still also in the squad who the selectors still rate quite highly.
I think that Agar will come in for Green, having a second spin bowling option in Sydney has always been quite attractive. There has been quite a fair bit of chatter about Lance Morris getting a game but if Hazlewood is healthy, you pick Hazelwood.
Back Australia to Win @ $1.33
Despite losing two key players, Australia are still incredibly short to win the 3rd Test, the draw at $4.75 is incredibly enticing due to the weather but honestly, if you’re betting on a Test Cricket draw and getting excited about rain, have a word to yourself.
If the Aussie’s get on, they should win comfortably once again.
Back Steve Smith to Score 50+ @ $2.10
He loves a Test Match on his home ground and is in great form once again. Steve Smith has an incredible average of 70.23 at the SCG and will be filthy he didn’t convert in the first innings in Melbourne.
I like Steve Smith to score big in this one and will also be on him to score a 100 at $4.50.
Back Nathan Lyon to be Australia’s Top Wicket Taker @ $4.00
It’s been a relatively quiet summer for Gaz but he’s still taken 20 wickets at 19.80. We should see a fair bit in this Sydney deck for the turners and I’m liking Gaz to take full advantage of that.