What a massive year it’s been for the Aussie boys!
World Test Champions, Ashes retainers and World Cup winners all since July.
The summer of cricket on home soil officially gets underway this week and they will look to replicate the success they’ve had overseas of late.
Historically, it’s been the Gabba that has had the honour of getting the red ball season started but this summer we are kicking off precedings in Perth for the first test against 6th ranked Pakistan.
I’ve checked the forecast, run my eyes over the markets, here is my preview of the 1st test between Australia and Pakistan.
My Predicted Australia XI
- D. Warner
- U. Kwahaja
- M. Labuschagne
- S. Smith
- T. Head
- M. Marsh
- A. Carey (WK)
- P. Cummins (C)
- M. Starc
- N. Lyon
- J. Hazelwood
I don’t think there will be any surprise selections to get us started this summer, our Test team really picks itself at the moment.
The obvious omission from this team is young all-rounder and WA native, Cameron Green who has fallen out of favour with selectors after a run of bad form (it also hasn’t helped that Mitch Marsh, his replacement is in the form of his life.)
Cameron Green had the opportunity to give the selectors some headaches when he was selected for the Prime Minister’s XI tour game vs Pakistan but I don’t believe his 40 off 46 is enough to take his spot back from the Bison.
Greeny also didn’t bowl in that game which is the opposite of what you look for in an all rounder.
Mitch Marsh continues to get the nod for me and we should also see Nathan Lyon return to the team after the injury he suffered during the Ashes.
Results Markets
The forecast looks pretty bloody good in Perth this weekend, it might be a blessing in disguise this Test is over on the west coast given that Cyclone Jasper is looming across Queensland.
We should see no interference from rain here and it looks like the bookies have certainly factored that into the odds.
Our Aussie’s are very short $1.29 favourites to win, the tourists are $6.50 underdogs and the draw is $7.
It’s hard to make a case for Pakistan, Australia are easily the best test nation in the world at the moment and all though it is a different format, Pakistan finished with four wins and five losses in the World Cup just a few weeks ago.
They are not a side in form and we could very easily see a test match here where Australia only bat once.
The Aussies are 3-0 at Optus Stadium, last summer against the Windies our boys scored 4d/598 & 2d/182 defeating the tourists by 164 (both Marnus and Smith scored double centuries in the first innings).
With the greatest respect to Pakistan, I think we roll them.
Australia to win @ $1.29
Run Scorer Markets
As I mentioned above, Optus Stadium (and some sub par bowling) was quite kind to Labuschagne and Smith last year, both scored double tons in the first innings against the West Indies.
Neither of them have been in the greatest form of late but Steve Smith averages 139 at Perth Stadium and Marnus a whopping 167.
The boys are value to score milestones in this test, Marnus is $4.50 for triple figures and Smudge is $4.29.
If I could only pick one, I’m backing Marnus – his innings in the World Cup final was special and $4.50 looks like great value for a guy that averages 54.36 against Pakistan.
Marnus Labuschange 100+ First Innings Runs @ $4.50
Steve Smith 50+ First Innings Runs @ $2.10
Wicket Taker Markets
Nathan Lyon has a very impressive record in his three tests at Perth Stadium, 22 wickets, two five wicket hauls and an incredible test bowling average of 18.45.
Gaz is $2.75 for 2+ First Innings wickets and a massive $11 for a five wicket haul.
It’s going to be a big ask for Lyon given he hasn’t played since that lower leg injury over in England but this has been a favourable ground for him in the past.
Nathan Lyon Over 2.5 First Innings Wickets @ $2.75, Nathan Lyon 5+ First Innings Wickets @ $11