Australia take on India in the 4th Test match of what has already proven to be a gripping series down under. Play gets underway at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday 2 January with UK able to follow the play live on Sky Sports with a 11.30pm start time. Here are our best Australia v India 4th Test Match betting tips.
Worth staying up for? The action we have already seen in this series, especially the 3rd Test played since Christmas night, would certainly suggest so; the scores are poised to set up a thrilling finish. This is worth burning the midnight oil for or setting a reminder to watch the highlights.
If you’re a lover of cricket you’ll simply adore this Test Match; however, one sure fire way to add more excitement is with a winning bet. We make finding one easier; our team of sports betting experts trawl the offers, odds, forms and promotions before returning with our advice on where the smart money should go.
Making a Bet on the Outcome
As you would expect, bookmakers have put the hard work in to ensure there’s plenty or competitively priced markets to choose from; you can choose from the winner of the coin toss to the top batsman; top bowler; highest opening partnership; draw no bet and much more. No matter your opinions on how this Test will go, we’re certain you’ll find a bet to suit your needs.
Certain bookmakers, such as Coral, offer a few price boosts on the most popular markets; therefore, it’s worth checking the various promotions sent out closer to the start before putting your money down. A winner is always nice; however, it’ll be bittersweet if you then find out you could’ve had the same bet but at bigger odds if you had made the effort to shop around. Our advice is to ensure your stake money works hardest on your behalf.
Let’s take a look back at how the series has gone so far, in the hope of picking up a few pointers.
India Making Memories
India made memories by grabbing a unique 1st Test Match win over Australia on their travels, their first Test win in Australia since way back in 2008. The tourists certainly enjoyed it too as the celebrations rang out on what was a deserved, and thoroughly entertaining, 31-run victory.
The victors put in a stunning team effort to heap pressure on a battered and bruised host who went in looking for a result to get their fans back on side. It wasn’t to be, the scores settled at Australia 235 and 291 – India 250 and 307.
When speaking to the press at full-time, winning captain, Virat Kohli, told reporters the result gave his team a great feeling. He admitted the length of time it took them to win down under was not lost on his men; however, they were delighted to get over the line. Kohli picked out his fast bowlers for particular praise and it was little wonder as they played with passion and determination.
Aussies Battle Back to Level
With morale low amongst supporters and the players having a point to prove, we saw Australia put in a big performance to level the series at 1-1 on 18 December; that was the team’s first Test Match victory since the ball-tampering scandal that has plagued them since; that is stunning when remembering the talent in their ranks.
It wasn’t easy – nothing is for Australia these days – and they were made to scrap for every bit of good fortune that came their way; however, at the final tally they were the better team and fully deserving of the victory that threw them back into contention. The locals won by a jaw-dropping 146 runs which would suggest an easy outing; however, it was anything but. They had Nathan Lyon to thank for helping bury a visibly shell-shocked India, as he claimed eight wickets to drive his boys towards the finish line.
Captain Tim Paine grabbed his first win since taking over at the helm from Steve Smith and he called it a relief; that was a feeling that seemed to echo around the arena. He, like his opposite number the Test before, knew it had taken longer than it should’ve but was eager to use the result as a launchpad for future success.
More Drama in 3rd Test
There was more drama to come in the 3rd Test Match that got going on 25 December. Fans were in for a real festive treat as India dominated the opening exchanges. Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli chipped in with a combined 170-run stand on day two and that put the hosts on the backfoot. That partnership allowed the tourists to build up a commanding lead and it was one Australia struggled to come back from. A short-sharp-shock that left the hosts reeling.
What have we learned so far? Well, if anything, it’s that nothing can be taken for granted in this Test and both teams are more than capable of winning the match. Traders seem at a loss to get this one right and having already had their fingers burnt on a few occasions they are leaving it up to punters to decide.
Australia have been priced at 6/4 with 888sport to win the decisive 4th Test Match while backers who expect India to come through and finish the job will find 21/20 through the same firm. Two of the three Tests that have gone already were close; however, Australia were dominant when needing the result and that sticks out for us. Back Australia at a great price to fight back and win the 4th Test Match.
Other Specials
There’s also a number of specials to be had, if preferring to avoid the unpredictability of the match betting. Those after a bigger price can decide on their pick to be Australia’s top batsman with Travis Head 4/7 jolly, Usman Khawaja 11/8 and Tim Paine 3/1. 2-2 is favourite in the series correct score betting at 7/5.