Betting On The Gabba Test

The Ashes series gets underway with the first test at the famous Gabba ground in Brisbane on Thursday. This means that finally all the talk and supposition will end and everyone can get to see just what the teams have to offer. 

It is almost a quarter of a century since England last won the first test at the Gabba. It is probably just as long ago that Australia last fielded a side so empty of recognisable stars. 

Australian captain, Ricky Ponting, and his team selection have been hampered with Michael Clarke suffering with injuries – an aging squad with a smattering of untried members at international level. Ponting will be hoping that all rounder Michael Johnson provides the goods with both the bat and ball. 

There are questions too for the England side, the biggest being whether Kevin Pietersen will perform with the bat. On the day Pietersen can make a great deal of difference, but he can also sorely disappoint at times. England will need both wickets and runs to beat Australia and Pietersen will been needed to make his contribution. 

Bookmakers are currently putting their money behind England at 2/1 for the first match and their opening series of warm up games has kept the swing in their favour. Odds on Australia at 5/4 reflect Clarkes’ absence and given the teams’ current forms, a draw at 3/1 could well be on the cards. 

Ricky Ponting also receives the bookies’ support being given the best odds of making the first century at 7/1, while a good bowling wicket will see Graham Swann at 10/1 taking the man of the match award.