First Ashes Test, day three betting tips: England set to shine but Usman Khawaja can cause problems
England's Moeen Ali
Day three of the opening Ashes Test at Edgbaston is upon us. Here, we take a closer look at some of the best bets.
Australia moved to 311 for five in reply to England's 393 for eight declared on day two of the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston.
England to win at 9/4
Day three is a good time to consider the outright markets for this series opener. An England win is priced at 9/4, a draw 9/4 and an Australian win at 6/5.
England's lead is currently 82 and a few early wickets on Sunday could really see them really up the ante against the old enemy.
Getting Australian opener Usman Khawaja out before he kicks onto a proverbial daddy century will be key.
Usman Khawaja over 174.5 at 6/4
England seamer Stuart Broad described the pitch as "slow and turgid" with "not much in it."
Khawaja took full advantage and, according to former England captain Eoin Morgan, made Friday "Australia's day" alongside half-centurion Alex Carey.
You can also bet on Carey over 74.5 at 8/11. There are other attractive batting markets to consider as well.
Next wicket dismissal - bowled - at 4/1
The way Broad described the pitch and the manner in which Australian opener David Warner got out suggest that if or when Khawaja or Carey get out, the proverbial furniture will be disturbed.
The conditions are such that batsmen can be prone to ill timing and, like Warner, chop onto their stumps. This mode of dismissal should come more into play as the contest progresses, too.
Australia over 399.5 at 2/5
Back Australia to get a lead and then some in this market. There's also Australia under 399.5 at 7/4, but that's unlikely - especially if Khawaja and/or Carey stick around and the lower-order digs in a bit.
Again, according to Broad, the pitch isn't giving the bowlers much - and this could be Australia's opportunity to all but nullify what England middle-order Joe Root and company did in their first go.
