Only 59.3 overs of play was possible on Day 1 of the fifth Ashes Test match due to rain. Australia rode on Travis Head's 101 to finish the day on 241/6. Cam Green scored 74 and forged a 121-run stand with Head.
England will be sweating over the fitness of Ollie Robinson, who left the field midway through the day due to back spasms. Robinson and Stuart Broad were their best bowlers on Day 1, and England need them to perform to wrap up this innings at the earliest.
Mark Wood leaked close to seven runs per over. Wood needs to curb his attacking instinct, and rather than relying on pace alone, he should aim to bowl tight line and length and extract movement from the pitch.
If Robinson remains unfit, Joe Root will have to share extra workload. That may not bode well for England, as the pitch has offered little assistance to the spinners.
Australia, meanwhile, again need handy contributions from Alex Carey and the tail-enders to reach 350. Carey is batting on 10, and if he manages to stick till the end, they are likely to find themselves in a commanding position.
England, on the other hand, will need a decent start from Zak Crawley and Haseeb Hameed later in the day.
Betway Fantasy Tips
- Pick Pat Cummins and Carey. Not only does Cummins pick wickets, but he often scores vital runs as well.
- Scott Boland and Root are must-haves for your team.