The most backed series correct score doesn’t make good reading for the travelling fans.
The wait is finally over, the biggest series in cricket is set to get underway tonight. Who knows what to expect from the opening session - will we see a Harmison esque wide or can England get off to a good start and limit the Aussies in the first few hours, similar to last time Down Under? Everyone has an opinion on tonight’s series opener, and we’ve examined all the bets placed via Oddschecker to highlight the key trends.
Series Result
England’s recent test form hasn’t filled their loyal supporters with much confidence going into such a crucial series. Add to that the whole Ben Stokes saga, it is unsurprising the majority of bets on the eventual winner of the series have been on the home side. Australia have accounted for 64% of bets, compared to only 27% on England. However, the biggest four-figured Ashes bet we’ve seen to date has been on away side winning the series at 10/3.
Series Score
It was a sorry affair when England last visited Australia in 2013, the travellers went into the series with optimism but were flogged 5-0 by the home side. Unfortunately, that optimism appears to have vanished from the British public. The most backed series bet on Oddschecker has been another Aussie whitewash. Just over 38% of all bets on the Ashes correct score have been on Smith’s men winning 5-0.
The second most backed selection has been a 2-2 draw, which has accounted for 12% of bets. The most supported positive result for England has been a 5-0 win. Just under 3.8% of all bets on the market have been on this outcome.
Top Batsman
Despite punters backing a dismal time for England, English batsmen are dominating the betting in the top batsman market. Captain Joe Root has accounted for the most bets in the market, just over 23% in total. Former-skipper Alastair Cook has been the second most backed selection with 13% of bets. Behind those two come David Warner and Mark Stoneman. Rather surprisingly, Steve Smith has only accounted for 6% of bets, which is less than Cameron Bancroft.
Top Bowler
As Mitchell Starc is such firm favourite to land the top bowling award, it’s no shock the Aussie paceman has led the way in betting. Starc has accounted for a massive 38% of bets, which is more than double the next selection favoured by punters, Josh Hazlewood. Stuart Broad will be vital for England this winter; he’s only taken 14% of bets in the market.
Unfortunately for two bettors, their big series bets look pretty much over already. Oddschecker recorded three-figured bets on Crane to be England’s top bowler at 50/1, and a similar amount on Overton at 16/1.
Player of the Series
English all-rounders have been the popular pick in the player of the series market. Woakes is 25/1 to win the accolade and has taken 29% of bets. Moeen Ali remains an outside shot at 20/1. He has been the second most backed with 19% of punts.
