Would You Put Your Money On India To Win The SCG Test?
India completely outplayed the Aussies at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and levelled the four-match series 1-1. The first test of 2021, which is often referred to as the New Year test, will occur at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
There were initial concerns that due to another COVID-19 outbreak in New South Wales (NSW), the SCG test might be cancelled. However, it appears that NSW has things under control, and the SCG test will proceed as per plan from Jan 7 to 11.
India Betting Underdogs Again
India goes in as betting underdogs yet again into the SCG test. They are betting underdogs is not entirely a surprise as the Aussies are playing at home, but the fact that they have such high odds is a surprise.
Australia goes in with odds of 4/6 while India has odds of 7/2 and the odds for a draw stand at 10/3. This means if you put $100 on Australia and they win, you will end up with $160.44 but if you put $100 on India and they win, you will end up with $450. That’s quite an attractive payout for betting on India because they played so well in the last test.
One reason for these high odds is that bookmakers expect the Aussies to bounce back as they are likely to see David Warner’s return who will significantly bolster their batting. However, Warner will not be fully fit and hasn’t played international cricket in over a month.
We give you three reasons as to why you should consider betting on India for the SCG Test.
India Have The Momentum
Indians currently have their tail up entering the New Year test. After a thumping win at the MCG, India’s confidence will be on a high, and they will be very keen on winning the SCG test and gaining a 2-1 lead as that will put enormous pressure on Australia to win the fourth and final test and square the series.
Batting
India has momentum in all three departments of the game. After a disastrous batting performance in the second innings of the first test, India showed character and application in their batting. The return of Rohit Sharma to the top of the order should further strengthen the batting. M Agarwal is likely to miss out, or the selectors could drop the impressive Shubman Gill down the order and open with Sharma and Agarwal.
India might also replace H Vihari with KL Rahul at four which should also strengthen the middle order. Even if they continue with Vihari, it will not be a bad option as Vihari knows he needs to make runs and play a big innings to keep his place in the side.
Bowling
Australia has world-class bowlers in Starc, Hazelwood, Cummins and Lyon. However, these four bowlers will start to feel the workload as the test series progresses, and India will become more accustomed to playing all four of them.
India’s fast bowling stocks have taken a beating in the lead up to this tour of Australia and during the test matches with Ishant Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav all losing their spots due to injury. India has had to dig deep into its fast bowling reserves and have done well so far.
M Siraj bowled beautifully during the second test and will keep his place for the third test. India will look to either given N Saini or T Natarajan their test debut at the SCG. India is bringing in fresh bowlers for the test bode well for their fast bowling unit and in a way, threatens Australia as they have not played these bowlers in the longer format of the game.
However, the biggest threat at the SCG will be the spin twins R Ashwin and R Jadeja. The SCG by tradition is a spin-friendly pitch when compared to all the other grounds in Australia. It makes it perfect for Ashwin and Jadeja to bowl in tandem and bamboozle the Aussies in their backyard.
Fielding
Australia suffered greatly in the second test as they dropped numerous catches, which affected their morale. On the other hand, India fielded a lot better than they did at the Adelaide Oval, and it boosted them.
India will have to keep up the high standard they set in the field at the SCG and make sure they don’t drop any catches.
Given India’s fantastic odds and these three reasons, we would suggest putting your money on India for the SCG Test.
