Only five days removed from retaining the Trans-Tasman Trophy in a clinical 247-run victory, Australia and New Zealand prepare for battle once again in the Third Test starting Friday at the SCG. The third test match between Australia and New Zealand will get underway on Friday at the SCG. Australia are short-priced favourites to win the game as well as the series. View the odds for the match as well as our tips, preview and bets.
When: Friday 3rd, January at 10:30
Where: SCG, Sydney
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Preview:
So much was made of the MCG pitch heading into the Boxing Day Test, and initially, it looked as though Australia might be in some real strife.
Joe Burns’ golden duck dismissal had the top of the order on the ropes, but like we saw all throughout 2019, Australia’s class quickly shone through as David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne took control of the wheel.
On a bouncy surface that called for plenty of caution, Travis Head wasted no time putting up his second Test century with a stunning 114-run display. Steve Smith also came close before a sloppy dismissal on 85, while Travis Paine’s 75-run effort just about put the match to bed.
So far, we haven’t seen anything convincing from New Zealand’s batting order that makes them worthy of backing. Kane Williamson, who has tallied only 57-runs across both Test matches, has struggled against Australia’s quicks, leaving the bulk of the work in Tom Latham and Tom Blundell’s hands.
The Kiwis can probably rest a little easier knowing the pace won’t be quite as frantic as the crease in Sydney. The SCG is a notoriously a spinners playground, particularly on days four and five.
New Zealand has wasted no time calling up right-arm spinner Will Somerville, but considering Nathan Lyon’s excellent numbers in Sydney (eight Tests, 23 wickets) – as well as James Pattinson’s return to form – it’s very difficult to see the Black Caps mounting a total high enough to trouble the Aussies.
Throw in the fact this will also be New Zealand’s first Test match at the SCG since 1985, and it becomes almost impossible to see the Black Caps coming close to an upset.
Odds:
Tip: Australia at $1.32
Value Tip: Man Of The Match: Steve Smith at $7.00
*Odds correct at time of posting. Subject to change
