It’s the final test of the Aussie summer and it will be anything but a dead rubber.
The young Windies side showed courage in Adelaide and will look to build on that performance in Brisbane but Mitchell Starc with the pink ball could have other plans for the tourists.
With weather forecast for the backend of the Test, Australia will be hoping for another opportunity to wrap this up inside two days like the Gabba Test last year.
I’ve checked the forecast, run my eyes over the markets, here is my preview of the 2nd test between Australia and The West Indies.
My Predicted Australia XI
- S. Smith
- U. Kwahaja
- M. Labuschagne
- C. Green
- T. Head
- M. Marsh
- A. Carey (WK)
- P. Cummins (C)
- M. Starc
- N. Lyon
- J. Hazelwood
I don’t see Australia changing their side that took the Windies down in 6.5 sessions last game.
Steve Smith needs a few more reps as an opening bat and should see ample opportunity in Brisbane.
Last summer the Gabba Groundsman produced a highly criticised green seamer of a pitch that saw play wrap up inside two days.
I don’t believe they will produce the same sort of wicket for this game.
Historically, the Gabba has been incredible to bat on first but historically, the Gabba test has been played in October/ November.
QLD is currently in the middle of their wet season and the humidity & heat in SEQ has been unbearable in the lead up to this game.
The extra moisture in the air should suit the bowlers something fierce in this clash and we could very easily see another low scoring affair depending on what way the toss falls.
Results Markets
Australia are $1.14 favourites to the West Indies $19, do I really need to tip this market?
A play on the draw could be a genuine shout at $6 but we first need to get to Day 3.
On Day 3, Saturday the 27th, Brisbane is a 90% chance to cop 60mm of rain and there is a strong chance that wet weather will extend into Days 4 and 5 as well.
For me though, the combination of stinking humid weather, a pink ball and the best Australian bowling outfit we’ve seen in a long time makes me think the Aussies will blow them off the park before the weather has a chance to disrupt play.
Prepare for a big weekend of Antiques Roadshow re-runs.
Australia to Win @ $1.14 (Shocker, I know)
Run Scorer Markets
Steve Smith didn’t quite get going at the top of the order in Adelaide, getting a peach from Shamar Joseph’s first ball in Test cricket and then came out to bat needing 20 odd to win in the second dig.
That being said, I think Smudge figures it out in Brisbane here, Steve Smith is $4.33 for Top Australian Runscorer and even though he looked shaky last game, I’m willing to back him to be the highest scorer here.
He only has three half centuries since his 110 at Lords in the Ashes but Smith has three centuries at the Gabba and is worth a play in that market.
Steve Smith Top Australian Runscorer at @ $4.33
Wicket Taker Markets
Pink ball, Day-Night Test, Mitchell Starc is the only man I’m interested in.
Hazlewood and Cummins have been phenomenal of late but Starc’s record with the pink ball is too good to ignore.
He’s value at $3.75 to be top Australian wicket taker and that’s where my money is.
Mitchell Starc Top Australian Wicket Taker @ $3.75