Oh, what a difference a week makes – or at least, when it comes to cricket, what a test makes. Before the first test, Australia were short-priced favourites to win the Ashes series on home soil – now, online bookmakers have firmed England in to outright favourites. Be warned – be careful – that first test left more questions than answers.

England are now 11/8 to retain the Ashes with Australia slightly longer at 6/4.  The second test is underway in Adelaide and the draw is outright favourite in this game at 5/4. England are 9/4 with the Australians out to 3/1. The odds in this test match probably reflect the true nature of the series. Strauss had an opportunity to push for an outside win in the first test but preferred to play for the safety of a draw. And for England, a drawn series is a win.

For the test did plenty for the batting confidences of some players. It did little for the bowlers. While a lot of focus has been on the Australian bowling attack, it should be remembered that each side could only muster a eleven wickets each across the whole match. At the same time, the batsmen whipped together around 1000 runs – to me, that’s a batsman’s pitch and not a good guide to the performance of the bowlers.

Australia have made bowling changes to the second test and these include the addition of bowlers well suited to Adelaide’s conditions.  This looks to be another batting pitch although the first day’s play had plenty for the English bowlers. We predicted the draw in the first test at good odds – this time, I suggest you have a little something on the Australians. They have not been beaten at this venue for a long time, they have bowlers well suited to the ground, and they are stinging from all the home criticism.  Australia to win what we hope is a thrilling test – the bookmakers will be happy if they do.