Australia host Pakistan for the second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) knowing a victory will earn them series success with one match to play.
The traditional Boxing Day Test follows a 360-run victory for the Aussies in the opening contest at Perth Stadium. David Warner was the star of the show, scoring 164 in the first innings as he plays in his final Test series in the baggy green. It was, however, power-hitting all-rounder Mitch Marsh who took Player of the Match honours with 153 runs and one wicket in Perth.
Victory extended the Aussies' winning streak over Pakistan Down Under to 15, and few would bet against the current Test Champions adding wins 16 and 17 in the coming weeks. Australia are 1/5 to win at the MCG, with Pakistan a distant 12/1 and the draw 11/2.
The long-range weather forecast indicates potential rain during the match, worth keeping an eye on closer to the contest.
Given Warner's exploits in the First Test, it's hard not to consider the left-handed opener for another big performance. The 37-year-old averages 58.92 on home soil with 20 100s and 14 50s in 97 innings.
His record at the MCG is mixed – he averages 53.7 there which is heavily weighted by two centuries and a double century in his last seven innings at the venue. He did struggle early in his career in Melbourne, but scored 200 in his last at bat. He's 9/4 to hit a century, 15/4 for the Top Batter market and 15/4 to be the top four hitter in the game – he smashed 16 in Perth.
The world-class middle order of Australia should also earn player props consideration. Steve Smith averages 84.75 at the MCG - four centuries and four 50s - even though he has a somewhat poor record in his last five innings at the venue, scoring 85, 16, 8, 0 and 7.
For Pakistan, a response from the batters is needed after they were bowled out for just 89 in the fourth innings in Perth. Opener Imam-ul-Haq was the only player to record a half century – his first Down Under in four innings. The 27-year-old has four 50s in his last eight innings at the top of the order.
Bowling wise, the wickets were shared round for Australia with Mitchell Starc (5), Nathan Lyon (5), Josh Hazelwood (4) and Pat Cummins (3) all contributing. For Pakistan, it was pacer Aamer Jamal who claimed Top Bowler honours with 7-139 on debut – including 6-111 in the first innings. He's 13/2 to repeat as Top Bowler performance.
The MCG is a happy hunting ground for off-spinner Lyon. 'Gary' is joint-sixth on the leading Test wicket takers at the venue with 41 in 22 innings – although he does boast just one five-wicket haul. Cummins, meanwhile, has 25 wickets at an average of 19.92 with two Five-Fors – he may be a better selection for bowling market props here.
Those looking to get onto the series whitewash, priced at Evens prior to the three-game battle, can still jump aboard at a price of 1/2.
