History tips Australia for third Ashes Test

If Australia are to win a Test this Ashes series it will be at Old Trafford, where history provides the key to what could be a resounding victory for Michael Clarke’s men and fire them back into series contention.

For those who like to read form before placing a bet on the Ashes, there is no greater guide than previous Tests on the ground in question. Australia have seven wins and 14 draws from 28 Ashes matches at Old Trafford, and so punters are advised to back the draw on this one.

In fact, Australia’s betting odds grow even more fruitful if you consider the last time England won the third Test of an Ashes series. You must go back to 1981, when Ian Botham ripped apart Australia at Headingley, for England’s most recent middle-Test win over the Aussies and since then the Baggy Green have won seven, with eight draws.

Quite often the third Test of a series finishes level, for neither side want to lose such a pivotal match. With England 2-0 up in the series, Alastair Cook will be delighted with a draw that retains the Ashes, so Australia must come out fighting. The selectors have already had their say, drafting David Warner back into the fold after his suspension, and the fight for a place in the top order will continue between Ed Cowan, Chris Rodgers and Usman Khawaja.Warner’s inclusion will prove huge, for the batsman can hit runs and has proven capable of playing on English wickets after a sterling 193 total against South Africa A last week. His experience at the crease will give this touring top order some stability and frustrate an England bowling attack that has had few problems to deal with so far.

As for England, the loss of Kevin Pietersen is a slight concern, for although he has batted sporadically Australia cricket betting fans know he can pull off a huge total from nowhere. Steven Finn’s departure is of less concern and Clarke will look to score runs off Tim Bresnan or Chris Tremlett, meaning Australia are a good shout to make the most of this third Test opportunity.