The 2021 Ashes Series begins at the Gabba in Brisbane on Wednesday morning, and a potential five days of Test cricket are scheduled.
For a little while, it appeared as though the 2021 Ashes Series was in serious doubt, but thankfully the stars aligned, England managed to put together a tour squad and ultimately, we’ll be treated to a full summer of cricket.
There has been plenty happening off the field in both camps recently, but now is the time for action, and both Australia and England will be eager to draw first blood in Brisbane.
I’ve previewed both sides, and you can find my complete The Ashes 1st Test Tips below.
Australia
There has been plenty of moving and shaking in the Australian squad recently, both through injury and other factors, but Justin Langer has named an exciting team for the first Ashes test, which will also see paceman Pat Cummins captain his country for the first time.
Former captain Tim Paine’s absence will see South Australian Alex Carey make his eagerly awaited debut, and the talented gloveman looks to add a little more depth to the Australian batting line-up.
Marcus Harris and Travis Head reclaim their positions in the Australian XI and otherwise, it’s a list of the usual suspects.
Australia XI 1st Ashes Test
David Warner, Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (vc), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
England
England have named a squad that lacks debutants, but also the experience of their Australian opponents.
Captain Joe Root has been in fine form in 2021, and he leads a batting line-up featuring the likes of Zak Crawley, Rory Burns and Ollie Pope; names that aren’t particularly household down under.
Having played 12 tests already this year, but their recent form has left a lot to be desired, and has seen them lose six of their last nine, while winning just once.
An already daunting task became even tougher when veteran paceman James Anderson was ruled out of the first Ashes Test on Tuesday, and Stuart Broad will now need to shoulder even more weight.
Likely England XI 1st Ashes Test
Rory Burns, Zak Crawley, Dawid Malan, Joe Root (c), Ollie People, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (vc), Chris Woakes, Ollie Robinson, Stuart Broad, Mark Wood.
The Ashes 1st Test Betting
As always, there’s great value to be found across a variety of The Ashes betting markets right here at Neds.
Australia will start justifiable favourites in betting ahead of the first test, with last year’s loss to India their first at the Gabba for more than 30 years. At publish, Justin Langer’s men are offered at The Ashes odds of $1.77 to beat England ($5.60). With inclement weather expected in Brisbane all week, a draw could be worth consideration at $2.95.
Top Runscorer betting remains a favourite target for cricket punters every summer, and perhaps unsurprisingly, Steve Smith ($3.25) leads our market to top the sheet for Australia in the 1st innings, from Marnus Labuschagne ($4), David Warner ($4.33), Travis Head ($7) and Marcus Harris ($8).
England’s Top Runscorer market sees Joe Root ($3) lead Ben Stokes ($5), Dawid Malan and Rory Burns are tied on the third line of betting ($6).
Top Wicket Taker betting for Australia sees Pat Cummins ($3.25) lead Mitchell Starc ($3.50), Josh Hazlewood ($5) and Nathan Lyon ($5), while England has Ollie Robinson and Stuart Broad on top ($3.50), from Chris Woakes and Mark Wood ($4).
The Ashes 1st Test Tips
Australia’s depth, experience and record in Brisbane is simply too much to ignore, and I am confident that they will win the first Ashes test.
Steve Smith’s recall to Vice Captaincy should see him lead the way with the bat for Australia in the first innings, while I’m happy to take on Joe Root for England – his record in Australia isn’t great, and I am more confident in a player like Dawid Malan putting on a score.
Mitchell Starc’s position in the starting XI was called into question earlier this week and I am expecting him to respond with a big performance in Brisbane, while Stuart Broad is a clear standout top pick in the England attack, in my opinion.
Back Australia to Win @ $1.77
Back Steve Smith to be Australia’s Top Runscorer (1st Innings) @ $3.25
Back Dawid Malan to be England’s Top Runscorer (1st Innings) @ $6
Back Mitchell Starc to be Australia’s Top Wicket Taker (1st Innings) @ $3.50
Back Stuart Broad to be England’s Top Wicket Taker (1st Innings) @ $3.50