Australia vs Pakistan second Test day four tips and suggested bets
- James Richardson
- 28 December 2023
Australia have taken control of the second Test against Pakistan, can they turn the screw on day four and push for victory at the MCG?
Mitchell Marsh striking a counter-attacking 96 proved to be a pivotal moment on day three as his fighting rescue mission with a dogged Steve Smith helped Australia build a 241-run lead and regain control of the second Test against Pakistan.
The hosts were reeling at 16-4 after rolling Pakistan over for 264 in reply to their first innings 318 in Melbourne to earn a 54-run buffer.
With a score that translated of only to a lead of just 70 Pakistan were back in the match.
However, Marsh and Smith knuckled down to put together what might prove to be a match-saving 153-run stand.
At stumps on day three, the hosts were 187-6 with Smith out for 50, off 176 balls, in the last over of the day, leaving Alex Carey unbeaten on 16. Mitchell Starc is expected to join him in the middle on the fourth morning.
Australia vs Pakistan second Test day four: Suggested bets
With the tail just about exposed Pakistan would like to ensure that Australia don't score the 59 runs they need for a 300 run lead as the match heads towards a conclusion.
Backing Pakistan to limit Australia to less than 225 as their third innings total will give them a chance in a game that the hosts are still on top of heading into day four.
Punters willing to play with a slender nine run buffer might take the Alex Carey under 24.5 market while the optimistic backer could look to the wicketkeeper to strike a 50 for a return on the over 49.5 market.
With the sporting pitch in play and just 14 of the 40 available wickets left to fall the draw is a real long shot as a result.
However, it is long enough with many sportsbooks to attract some bold money.
If Australia score slowly but hold on for some time it might still encourage Pakistan to bat defensively to close out the match with some face saved.
Shaheen Afridi and Mir Hamza are in a shootout to end as the top wicket-taker, although one of their rivals in the Pakistan attack could still surge past them with all four wickets.
More likely though we will see Shaheen Afridi complete a five-fer before the Australian innings is complete.
Predictions
Australia to go over 274.5 in their third innings
Alex Carey to score less than 25 runs in total in the third innings
Shaheen Afridi to take five wickets
