Australia closed Day 1 of the third Ashes Test match on 61/1 after bowling out England for 185 at the MCG. They are just 124 behind in the first innings, with nine wickets in hand.
Only once in a hundred years has a team won a Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground after being dismissed for 185 or below in their first innings. That happened in the Centenary Test of 1976/77, when Australia, after being asked to bat, posted 138 and then bundled out England for 95, and eventually won by 45 runs.
If England have to produce something similar here, the trio of James Anderson, Mark Wood and Ollie Robinson must play crucial roles. They looked threatening in the last 16 overs on Day 1, and will look to carry the momentum. Jack Leach, who missed the second Test match after being hammered in Brisbane, also has a point to prove.
Despite losing David Warner, Australia are in the driver’s seat again. They have won the first two Test matches by huge margins, and a draw at the MCG will be enough to retain the Ashes. But with Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith to come, followed by Travis Head, Cam Green and Alex Carey, they will be upset if they fail to take their side past 350 on Day 2.
Betway Fantasy Tips
- Smith and Labuschagne are likely to score runs again. Keep faith in them.
- Anderson and Robinson are the must-have bowlers from England.