The Ashes 5th Test Expert Tips & Predictions

We have expert betting tips for The Ashes 5th Test at the SCG, which is being played for bragging rights.

Australia won The Ashes by taking the first three games, but England fought back in a dead rubber at the MCG, which played more like a T20 game.

Our Ashes tips include 5th test winner, top first innings runs scorer, and top first innings wicket taker.

The Ashes 5th Test Tips & Predictions

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Best Bet

It has been a tough series to predict, especially when most of the games haven’t been played like test matches. It’s a shame for cricket purists, and the debacle at the MCG is worth forgetting. However, action should heat up for the final test at the SCG.

Australia are firm favourites to take out The Ashes 4-1, having been well-beaten in the fourth test. They are keen to show that they’re still the more dominant test side, and we expect this test to be played over at least four days.

Short form cricket helps England and the “bazaball” style, but the SCG should play perfectly, and we could see the teams dig in and produce big totals. It would be good to see, and Australia is worth backing at the $1.59 price.

There has been some specking for the draw at $7, which isn’t the worst bet, so if you want a saver, include the draw in picks.

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Top Australian Run Scorer 1st Innings

We backed Marnus Labuschagne to be top first innings run scorer in the fourth test, but the green pitch didn’t play into his hands. He wants time to settle in at the crease, and he is due for a big opening total this week.

Punters get $6 for Labuschagne to lead the way, and it might take a century to secure the top run scorer honours. He’s capable, and he has shown throughout his career a knack of bouncing back after disappointment.

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Top England Run Scorer 1st Innings

Joe Root is one of the best English batsmen of all time, and he will be keen to end the series on a high.

It hasn’t been a vintage Ashes series for Root, but he’s always capable of producing a mighty effort, and he’s a proud player, so that should spur him on.

There isn’t a lot of depth in the English batting lineup, so backing Root is the way to go.

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Top Australia 1st Innings Wicket Taker

Scott Boland has announced himself during this Ashes series, and he could continue that momentum by picking up 3-4 wickets in the first innings.

Boland has long been a stalwart of Australian T20 and one day bowling, so it’s good seeing him get the recognition as a bowler who can deliver in the longer format.

His odds have firmed to $3.75, and he’s putting pressure on Mitch Starc to take the most first innings wickets.

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Top England 1st Innings Wicket Taker

Josh Tongue slipped under the radar in the fourth test, but he was his finger-licking best.

He was the standout bowler of the test match, and there is no reason why he can’t back it up with another big performance.

Jofra Archer is out, so that makes way for Tongue to show why he belongs in the team.