Australia vs Pakistan third Test day two: Tips and suggested bets

James Richardson
3 January 2024

Pakistan will be on the hunt for early Australia wickets at the start of day two of the third Test on Thursday morning.

The third Test between Australia and Pakistan is balanced on a knife edge heading into day two after an enthralling opening day, which saw the hosts start well before a fightback from the visitor's lower order.

It remains to be seen how Pakistan do with the ball especially after they took the shock decision to leave Shaheen Afridi out of their playing XI at the behest of the player himself.

Still, with 313 runs on the board, Pakistan should be able to exert pressure on Australia if they can get early wickets on the second morning of the Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

For Australia, the primary goal will be to extend their opening stand for as long as possible to reverse the pressure back onto Pakistan in the field.

Australia vs Pakistan Third Test Day Two: Suggested bets

There is little to choose between David Warner and Usman Khawaja in the next man market overnight.

However, the occasion of his final Test at his home ground might make for a nervous start for Warner, who is currently good value to be dismissed under 24.5.

Pakistan have already shown that they will be willing to give their spinners the ball early on despite seeing Australia's Pat Cummins provide the primary wicket threat with his backbending efforts across 18 overs on day one that saw him claim a third straight five-wicket haul.

While the SCG does take turn, a bowler like Hasan Ali looks most likely to be able to replicate the efforts of Cummins.

The tourists are well in the game if, perhaps, ahead, but most sportsbooks are unwilling to flip the odds.

If Pakistan does well on day two, the odds of them winning the match will shorten quickly. If you want to back Pakistan for the win, you'd be best served getting in before day two.

Khawaja seems to enjoy batting at the SCG and, as a Queensland convert from New South Wales, has always reserved some of his best cricket for the home of the Bulls' great domestic rivals.

Khawaja could be on for another hundred at the venue.