Australia vs England Fifth Ashes Test Prediction, Betting Tips & Odds…

After a second two-day match of the Ashes series in Melbourne , the pressure is very much on Sydney officials to prepare a decent pitch for the fifth and final Test.

An MCG surface that had 10mm grass left on, producing lavish movement for seam bowlers, was rated ‘unsatisfactory’ by the ICC and left Cricket Australia counting the cost in lost revenue to the tune of around £5million .

England can be backed at 2/1 to claim another consolation victory, with the home team 8/13 to bounce back, but don’t rule out the match curator over-compensating with an especially flat wicket that brings a draw into the equation.

Six of the last 11 Test matches at the SCG have ended in stalemate, so 13/2 for that outcome is fair value for our opening Australia vs England Fifth Ashes Test prediction.

Australia vs England Fifth Test Betting Odds – Cricket

Result	Odds	Chance
Australia	4/6	60%
England	12/5	29.4%
Draw	11/2	15.4%

*Odds are correct at the time of writing, but subject to change.

How to Watch the Fifth Ashes Test

The action will get under way at 23:30 GMT on Saturday and will be shown live in the UK on TNT Sports .

Local Hero Smith Loves Playing at the SCG

The last time there was a draw at this picturesque old ground, Steve Smith helped himself to a first-innings century against South Africa three years ago.

That wasn’t the only time Smith has shone here either, having hit tons versus India in 2015 and 2021 and against England in 2014 , all in the opening innings.

Overall, he has scored 1,096 runs in 12 Test matches at the SCG at an average of 64.47 .

The 36-year-old , who has represented New South Wales and the Sydney Sixers throughout his illustrious career, made it clear that he is hoping to see more of a level playing field at his home venue.

Reflecting on the Melbourne debacle, he commented: “A lot of the Tests have been played in fast forward and this one was over in two days, not ideal.

“It would be good if it was a little bit longer and we were able to entertain the fans some more, but it wasn’t to be.”

Looking at the Fifth Ashes Test odds, Smith can be backed at 5/4 to score at least 50 in the first innings and 7/2 to hit a century.

Steve Smith to score 50 or more in first innings @ 5/4

Steve Smith to score a century in first innings @ 7/2

Bethell to Build on Melbourne Promise

Australia are set to face a depleted England bowling attack after Gus Atkinson joined Jofra Archer and Mark Wood on the injury list.

However, while Baggy Greens coach Andrew McDonald may have suggested “the Ashes were done at 3-0 ”, there is plenty left for the tourists to play for – namely pride, World Test Championship points and places in the side.

Jacob Bethell has already staked a claim to the number three slot after replacing Ollie Pope in Melbourne , with his mature 40 taking much of the strain in England ’s successful 175-run chase.

The 22-year-old now has an opportunity to lock in an extended run in the side and is ready to throw himself into the challenge.

He said: “It’s nice to come in and make an impact straight away, it’s pretty sweet…I would like to just nail down any role in the team, to be honest.”

Let’s add 3/1 for the Barbados -born left-hander to score a first-innings half-century to our Australia vs England Fifth Ashes Test betting tips.

Jacob Bethell to score 50 or more in first innings @ 3/1