Cricket Tips: 3 selections with a 5/1 punt for 2nd Ashes Test

Cricket Tips

England to Win 2nd Test
Stuart Broad Top England Wicket Taker – 1st Innings
#WhatOddsPaddy: Joe Root and Ollie Pope Both 50+ 1st Innings

After the thrilling series opener at Edgbaston, the Ashes series heads to Lord’s as the home of cricket hosts a pivotal Test for the home team.

June 28 – July 2: England v Australia
Ashes 2nd Test, Lord’s
TV: Sky Sports

The Short-price punt

England to Win 2nd Test

Australia won the opening Test at Edgbaston in thrilling circumstances, a two-wicket victory that ranked among the great Ashes contests. England were favoured in-run for much of that contest so it is surprising they go in notably bigger outsiders than they did in the series opener.

There were certainly plenty of positives for England to take out of the first Test. They did not back away from their Bazball aggression, swinging to the very end. Joe Root, Harry Brook and Zak Crawley all showed enough with the bat. Stuart Broad was outstanding with the ball while the attack contained Australia’s two most dangerous bats in Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne. Concerns over the health of Ben Stokes have been put to bed.

That is plenty of positivity to take into Lord’s. The potential inclusion of 18-year-old spinner Rehan Admed and the potential switch-out of Jimmy Anderson likely strengthens England’s claims.

England have a strong record at Lord’s with just three losses in their last 11 Tests at the venue. They have won two of their last three and have experience at the ground this summer with a Test victory over Ireland.

Australia have won just two of five Lord’s Tests since 2009. The value is unquestionably with the home team.

WELCOME TO PP NEWS: NEW TO US? CLICK HERE FOR OUR £/€20 SIGN-UP OFFER

The Value

Stuart Broad Top England Wicket Taker – 1st Innings

Stuart Broad was the standout of England’s attack in the opener and is without question the biggest threat to Australia’s batting lineup. Broad plays well at Lord’s.

Broad has at least three wickets in nine of his last 13 innings so is in fine form and has 12 wickets in his last four innings at Lord’s. With Jimmy Anderson out of form, this is a match race with Ollie Robinson. Broad worries Australia so betting on him to get the big wickets.

The Long-shot

#WhatOddsPaddy Joe Root and Ollie Pope Both 50+ 1st Innings

Joe Root was back to his brilliant best at Edgbaston and Australia really don’t look like they have an effective plan to combat him. He scored big in both innings and dictated as well as any bat last week.

He has some big scores at Lord’s and the track is expected to suit batting. Ollie Pope has put together big scores in his last two first innings at Lord’s and it would not surprise to see him thrive back at his favourite venue.