THE EDGE: The Edge previews the World Test Championship Final with a recommended Betdaq bet.
Australia v South Africa
MATCH OVERVIEW:
The eyes of the cricketing world turn to Lord’s on Wednesday as we start the World Test Championship Final on BETDAQ Betting Exchange. After two months of IPL cricket, everyone is used to fast scoring and batting carnage, now we return to the long format of the game. However, the way Test cricket is being played these days most Tests don’t feel long anymore! Australia clash with South Africa with both sides coming here in superb form – Australia have won 13 Tests from their 19. While South Africa have only played 12, but they’ve won their last 7 and must be full of confidence.
Of course, Australia are current World Test Champions after winning against India at the Oval in 2023. Test cricket is in a funny place in the world game at the moment – outside of Australia, England, India and South Africa the money just isn’t there anymore. Obviously we will always have the history of the Ashes and then any series India play will always generate a lot of money – you could say the Test arena badly needed this. South Africa have long been the bridesmaid of worse in the major ICC tournaments; this is a chance for them to finally get the chokers tag off their back. And what better way to do that! They’ve warmed up with neighbours Zimbabwe in England, so both sides should arrive with no excuses.
Obviously Australia are packed with big names, and South Africa too to be honest. The problem with South Africa is spots in the batting order – they have nearly too many options and team selection will be a talking point. Bowler selection will be a talking point for Australia too; again they have a wealth of talent to choose from. We should have a cracking Test match!
WEATHER AND PITCH WATCH:
We have an interesting weather situation for Lord’s this week. Temperatures are quite high, and there’s a chance of thunderstorms. Obviously this ground drains exceptionally well, but it’s going to be a Test for watching the radar I feel. At Lord’s, you generally look up rather than down when deciding what to do at the toss. It can get quite flat here with the sun out – add some clouds and you’ll see a lot of movement with the ball. Lord’s is generally a result venue – the last seven Tests have had a result. Long-term the record is four draws from the last 25 Tests. England always host their biggest opposition here too so the ground data is solid.
RECOMMENDED BET:
It’s no surprise to see Australia as the odds on favourites here. They have been incredibly strong in Tests and have a wealth of talent in their starting XI. Obviously I mentioned above that this is a Test to keep an eye on the radar, and the draw is trading quite high at 12.5 at the time of writing. The thunderstorms, if they hit, will be short and sharp – the way Test cricket is played now it’s hard to see a draw but it might trade shorter. South Africa are a strong side these days, but I do feel that Australia play their cricket on a different level – they are trading 1.47 and I’d have them a couple of ticks shorter; I’m happy to take the 1.47.
The Edge Says:
Two points win Australia to beat South Africa at 1.47 with BETDAQ Betting Exchange
View the market here -> https://betdaq.biz/WTCSoAu
IN-RUNNING STRATEGY:
I mentioned above the thunderstorms forecast, and while I don’t see them having a major impact on the game result wise – they might even not hit at all – I can see it being worth your while keeping an eye on the radar given the high draw price. I have to say, the in-running strategy for Lord’s writes itself; in general you want to be on the batting side when the sun is out and then on the bowling side when the clouds roll in. Sticking to that strategy won’t see you go far wrong here to be honest.
