An extraordinary 135 not out from Ben Stokes has revitalised England’s chances of reclaiming the Ashes after $21 was on offer at TAB for the hosts to win the Third Test at Headingley before Stokes and Jack Leach started their 76-run tenth-wicket partnership.
Australia, as much as $2.70 at lunch when England were 4/238 and requiring another 121 runs for victory, were as short as $1.02 when Stuart Broad was dismissed without troubling the scorers.
One TAB punter will rue Australia’s inability to claim the final wicket – which would have ensured the Aussies retained the Ashes – after plonking $100,000 at $1.32 on Australia during the first session on Day 4.
There was one TAB customer who was cheering for England during the successful run chase as they placed a $50 wager at $21, which eventually provided a $1000 profit, when England were 9/286.
Australia are still TAB favourites to retain the Ashes, but they have eased from $1.40 to $1.62 after being agonisingly close to keeping the Urn in their possession with two Tests remaining.
England has tightened from $2.90 to $2.35 with TAB to regain the Ashes as they have to win this five-Test series outright.
Regain/Retain Ashes
$2.35 England ($2.90 before Third Test)
$1.62 Australia ($1.40 before Third Test)
Ashes Series Result
$2.35 England ($2.90 before Third Test)
$3 Drawn Series ($3.85 before Third Test)
$3.20 Australia ($2.15 before Third Test)