The prestigious Boxing Day test match is here and with both Australia and South Africa having two of the most exciting bowling attacks in the world, this should be a great battle.
With a fully packed MCG, this is the biggest event on the Aussie cricket calendar and there is plenty of handy betting value to look at.
MATCH ODDS
Australia: $1.36
Draw: $8
South Africa: $5.10
PACE TO LEAD ATTACKS
There are not many things more exhilarating than a fast bowler running in with the new ball bowling 150km thunderbolts.
The Proteas Kagiso Rabada and Aussie Mitchell Starc can do exactly that and their pace and swing will be well suited on this MCG pitch.
Ranked as the fourth-best bowler in the world, Rabada amazingly had four wickets in each innings in the first test in Brisbane: his ability to attack the stumps each ball will help him get among the wickets again here.
- South Africa most first innings wickets – Kagiso Rabada: $2.98 (via Betr)
Starc got his 300th wicket for Australia in the last match and is only the seventh Australian to do so in history.
He continues to dominate in Aussie conditions, had the most first innings wickets last game and will do so again here.
- Australia most first innings wickets – Mitchell Starc: $3.90 (via Betr)
BATSMEN’S FORM
Although Australia won the Brisbane test over South Africa in just two days, it was a lot closer than the scores suggested.
Australia’s openers struggled with the bat, mainly due to an out-of-form David Warner having to face the very classy Protea bowling attack.
South Africa had the best opening partnership in both innings and with the high scores that Dean Elgar can produce, they should repeat that here.
- Highest opening partnership – South Africa: $2.18 (via Betr)
WHO WINS?
Australia won the last test within two days, but struggled with the bat and South Africa could have easily stolen the win.
This match will be a lot closer, but with Australia’s better overall batting depth – led by the number one-ranked batsmen in the world Marnus Labuschagne – they will be too strong again here.
THE PICK: Australia H2H: $1.36 (via bet365)
[all odds as of December 23]
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Originally published as Boxing Day Test – Australia v South Africa betting preview