First Ashes Test, day five betting tips: Usman Khawaja to lead Australia to victory

The fifth and final day of the Ashes series opener is on a knife edge. Planet Sport digs up the suggested bets for Tuesday's action.

2023-06-20First Ashes Test, day five betting tips: Usman Khawaja to lead Australia to victory

England are in pursuit of seven more wickets. Australia are chasing another 174 runs. The fifth and final day of the Ashes series opener will be intriguing.

Australia to win at 5/4

England are priced at 1/1 and a draw 7/1 in this market, but we reckon an Australia win would bring the best value.

Nightwatchman Scott Boland and first-innings centurion Usman Khawaja's partnership could be a real sticking point for England, especially if it gets that deficit under 150 before the in-form Travis Head and all-rounder Cameron Green take over.

That said, an early wicket or two for England could keep this contest hot. Regardless, we're likely in for a fittingly tight finish to this first Test of five.

Next man out - Khawaja - at 5/4

You're effectively betting against Boland to be England's next wicket here. The nightwatchman to get out first is priced at 1/4.

There's little risk in that bet, but the less conservative could opt for Khawaja at 5/4.

The ball is 30 overs old and, going on the closing throes of Monday, still possesses plenty of swing.

England's seamers, especially the fired-up Stuart Broad, will probably look to get the length right up there to Khawaja. His footwork can be found wanting when the ball is swinging and dipping late.

Khawaja to score a century at 11/4

Scoring two centuries in one Ashes Test is rare. Khawaja has the opportunity to do this and, perhaps, silence several critics for the foreseeable future.

He is going to have to ride out a tricky morning session, but thereafter it could be relatively straightforward for the cool, calm and collected left-hander.

This'll especially be the case if Head and Green are alongside to alleviate some of the pressure.

Khawaja not to score a century at 2/9 is probably the safer bet - but from a sports betting perspective, we really like the look of another ton for him at 11/4.