This time last week, the cricketing world was revelling in what they had just witnessed. England and Australia played out one of the all-time great Ashes Tests, with the visitors winning by a narrow two wickets, thanks to an impressive eighth wicket stand late on the fifth day.
Now, having had a week to cool off—or likely heat up, in England’s case—the two sides will go at it again for the second Test of the Ashes. With the teams meeting at Lord’s this time, there’s plenty on the line. A 2-0 lead for Australia would seem fairly insurmountable, even for the bravado of Bazball. Will England change their approach heading into what feels like a must-win game? Or do Stokes and his men continue to attack hammer and tongs?
Regardless, we can expect another fascinating contest as we preview all the best bets to make on the Ashes 2023 second Test with the latest odds from bookmaker William Hill.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: June 27th, 10:00 P.M. (GMT)
Looking at the outright odds to win this Test, the numbers have shifted slightly in Australia’s favour off the back of their opening win. Australia now pays 2.05 for a win, compared to England’s 2.50. Despite the increased gap, these are still very tight margins. A draw again pays quite highly at 6.00.
In terms of starting XIs for both teams, England has made one significant change ahead of the second Test. Moeen Ali drops out of the team, while pace bowler Josh Tongue gets the call up. Tongue made his debut against Ireland earlier this month where he took a five-wicket haul and offers some x-factor pace. Australia, on the other hand, has confirmed their 12, with Mitchell Starc the only question mark as a potential replacement for Scott Boland who was expensive in the first Test.
This is a Test that could very well be determined by who wins the toss and how the opening day pans out. It’s a green looking pitch at Lord’s, which will favour the side that bowls first. Should England win the toss and bowl, there’s a strong chance they’ll be able to dispatch Australia cheaply and be batting before stumps are called.
We say England will bounce back here and it’s worth backing them in the outright odds. For more lucrative betting, bet on Jimmy Anderson to come alive on a spicy Lord’s pitch and be England’s top wicket taker in the first innings at 3.25. The veteran was quiet last game but a week off and more favourable conditions should bring Anderson into this Test.
Steve Smith is also a strong bet as Australia’s top run scorer, particularly if the going gets tough and Australia need someone to dig in. Smith is unlikely to have two poor Tests in a row and pays 3.50 to top score in the first innings.
