The Ashes – England vs Australia betting tips: Preview, odds and best bets for fifth Test at The Oval

THE fifth and final Ashes Test takes place at The Oval this week with England looking to square the series 2-2.

Australia officially retained the urn at Old Trafford as England’s chances of completing a remarkable comeback washed away drip by drip, in the Manchester rain. A series draw is the best England can do, while the Aussies will now look to complete a first series win in the UK in 22 years.

Best bookies for Ashes betting 

The Ashes is one of the most exciting sporting events of the summer in the UK, with most top cricket bookmakers offering markets for the series. The following are our picks for the best bookies for Ashes betting in the UK: 

England vs Australia Test match preview

The prospect of a winner-takes-all Ashes decider at The Oval were cruelly washed away in Manchester last week, meaning Australia will hang on to the Ashes urn they have possessed since 2017-18.

England captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum’s swashbuckling Bazball approach was very clear about draws in Test cricket – they have absolutely no interest them. It’s win or bust.

But having gone 16 Tests without a stalemate, England had a draw thrust upon them by the weather when just five wickets were required to clinch back-to-back victories against Australia.

Stokes and Co. now travel to The Oval knowing a victory will ultimately secure a series draw.

The match is likely to be the final home Ashes Test for many England players including the likes of James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Mark Wood and Chris Woakes.

It’s a similar situation for many of the Australia squad, who would dearly love to break their 22-year winless series streak in England.

England’s players will have to pick themselves up and might take motivation from stopping that from happening on their watch.

It’s been a reasonably happy hunting ground for England over the years, who’ve won just over 40% of their matches in Kennington with the touring side claiming 21% but, once again, the weather could wreak havoc.

England vs Australia fourth Test match odds

England are 13/10 favourites to win at The Oval and level the series. Australia aren’t far behind at 17/10 while the draw is available at 14/5. The following odds are taken from Spreadex:

• England to win at 13/10
• Australia to win at 17/10
• Draw at 14/5

Bet on The Ashes fifth Test match with Spreadex.

Ashes betting: Tips for England vs Australia Test match

Let’s take a look at some of the best value bets you can place on the England vs Australia.

England top 1st Innings batter – Joe Root at 10/3 with bet365

The madness of Bazball may be in full effect, but Joe Root continues to do what Joe Root does best – score runs. Ok, he’s nailed the odd reverse ramp shot for six but the 32-year-old has largely gone about his business under the radar.

Root is the fourth-highest run scorer in the 2023 Ashes series with 316 in seven innings’, averaging 52.66. He’s 68 runs ahead of Steve Smith for the series and will want to keep it that way. The Oval has treated him well over the years with a high score of 149 not out, in addition to two centuries, three 50s and an average of 44.80.

Ben Stokes most 6s in 1st Innings for England at 2/1 with bet365

I’ve tipped it once, and I’ll tip it again. Ben Stokes is available at 2/1 to hit the most sixes for England in the first innings. The captain has struck a colossal 14 sixes this series – more than Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root and Harry Brook combined.

Stokes, 32, will be desperate to avoid handing Australia their first away Ashes victory in over two decades, and clearly has a habit of standing up in the biggest encounters.

Top 1st Innings Bowler – Ollie Robinson at 8/1 with bet365

Ollie Robinson looks set to return to the starting XI for England following his absence at Old Trafford.

Yes, Robinson suffered a back spasm in the previous match in Leeds, but he’s already admitted that he was fully fit and available for selection in Manchester with Jimmy Anderson preferred at his home ground.

Now at The Oval, Robinson is on a ground that favours tall seam bowlers and his record of 12 wickets at an average 19.33 in two Test matches shows that. He was Player of the Match here last year against South Africa and he should be primed for a big 1st Innings.

Where’s The Ashes played in 2023?

The 2023 Ashes Series is being played in the UK. Each of the five Tests will be held at a different venue. The first Test was held at Edgbaston in Birmingham, the second took place at Lord’s, the third was at Headingley Cricket Ground, Leeds, the fourth was at Old Trafford in Manchester, and the final Test will be at the Oval in London. 

How are The Ashes Tests scored?

The Ashes is a five-test series, with the winning team being the one that wins the most tests. The Ashes can end in a draw if a match is called off. In this instance, the reigning champions will keep the urn. Each test match will last up to five days, though a winner can be declared before the fifth day. There are four innings in each test, with each team batting and bowling twice. 

What UK bookies have live betting on England vs Australia test matches?

All of the bookies we have listed above will provide live-betting options for the Ashes. Each test can last up to five days, which means players will have plenty of time and opportunities to capitalise on live-betting markets. 

What UK bookmakers have live streaming of The Ashes?

None of the UK bookmakers will offer live streaming of England vs Australia in The Ashes. The final test will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket, with a highlight show called Today at the Test on BBC2 at the end of each day. 

How to watch The Ashes in 2023

• Location: Fifth Test – The Oval, London
• Date and time: Thursday, July 27 – Monday, July 31 (11 am start)
• How to watch: Sky Sports Cricket/ Sky Sports Main Event

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chase their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.