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First Ashes Test, day four tips: Joe Root and Ollie Pope to score big for England

England Joe Root and Ollie Pope

After rain thwarted progress on day three of the first Ashes Test, Planet Sport is hoping for better luck as we look at the best bets for day four.

England moved to 28 for two - and a 35-run lead - on day three of the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston on Sunday. Australia had been limited to 386 all out in response to the hosts' first-innings total of 393 for eight declared.

Rain shortened play on Sunday, but the weather forecast for Monday suggests dryer conditions in Birmingham.

Here are Planet Sport's suggested bets for day four.

Joe Root over 49.5 at 11/8

The former England captain scored his first Ashes century in eight years earlier in this fixture - and is an early contender for player of the match.

He's currently at the crease, yet to get off the mark, but primed to tuck into the Australian bowling attack again.

For this bet to come good, one only needs Root to score half as many in the first innings - on a pitch that is probably only a bit tricker to bat on since

Alternatively, there's Root under 49.5 at 8/15.

Ollie Pope to score a century at 7/1

The new England vice-captain is already 36 Tests into a burgeoning international career and very much looking the part at the crease. He welcomed a double-century in the one-off Test against Ireland recently.

Pope has scored four Test centuries, but none against Australia. His highest score against the Aussies is only 35.

Monday could be his day to triple this. If one doesn't fancy that happening, there's Root to not score a century at 1/20.

Australia to win at 5/4

Day four could be the opportune time to relook at the outright markets for this match.

Picking the Aussies to take an early series lead, especially if they snatch a few wickets during day four's opening session, could be a solid selection.

England are currently priced at 6/4 to win, while a draw is offered at 7/2.

The stalemate might be the way to go if the weather doesn't look good on Monday, but for now the forecast suggests significantly less rain than Sunday.
READ MORE: England lose both openers as Australia claim upper hand in first Ashes Test before rain halts play

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