With the Ashes firmly secure in the hand of England, the last test match seems to be something of a dead rubber. From the players’ perspective, England would like nothing more than to return home with a 3-1 series win.  Australia would at least like to see the series ending with a moral boosting 2-2 draw, even though that means the Ashes return with the tourists. If you are looking for some interesting betting, I suggest you check out what the betting exchanges are offering.

From a betting perspective, a rubber is never dead, there is always a betting opportunity there somewhere.  Bookmakers have England as 11/8 favourites just ahead of the draw at 7/4 and Australia at 7/2. The Aussies have revamped their team a little with Clark standing in for the injured skipper. Khawaja is the interesting replacement for Ponting and he has looked good on his first day. The other new player is unknown spinner Beer – it will be interesting to see if he can live up to his short reputation.

Rain ruined much of the first day, but the changes did little with the Aussies ending the day at 4/134 – like every other test this series, too little in the first innings. Hussey and Haddin will have the job of again rescuing them and trying to post a decent score. If rain prevails again tomorrow, which it looks set to do, then a draw will become the only possible outcome.

Bets bets for this match – head to the betting exchanges and back Hussey to be the top scorer for the Aussies, Cook for England, while Bresnan looks to be the pick of the English bowlers. It’s hard to see any Australian bowler standing out – perhaps Siddle will again strike form. As to the result – back a rain effected draw and England to return home 2-1 winners.