Ashes Countdown

As the Ashes Test series draws closer, England look to continue their preparations as they take on South Australia. England have already faced the likes of McGrath, Lee, Clarke and Jaques. The South Australia side features former internationals Darren Lehmann and Matt Elliott, though perhaps more significant is the inclusion of Jason Gillespie and Shaun Tait, two fast bowlers competing for a spot in the Australia line up for the First Test that starts on the 23rd November. These warm-up matches are critical not only for establishing England's batting and bowling performances, if you're looking to bet on the Ashes, but important in gauging who will make the Aussie team.England are currently a sizeable 7/1 at Expekt to win the Ashes outright and a pretty appealing 6/1 to win the First Test with VC Bet. Premier Bet has some interesting match markets open, with the Strauss/Trescothick one looking incredibly inviting. Take Strauss at 17/20 to get more runs in Brisbane.First Test, Brisbane 23-27 Nov 2006Australia 4/9Draw 5/2England 6/1(Odds by VC Bet)Batsman Match Bets 1 Strauss 17/20 Trescothick 17/20 Batsman Match Bets 2 Pietersen 4/5 Flintoff 10/11 Batsman Match Bets 3 Ponting 8/11 Pietersen 1 Batsman Match Bets 4 Langer 4/5 Strauss 10/11 Batsman Match Bets 5 Hayden 4/5 Langer 10/11 (Odds by Premier Bet) Ashes OutrightAustralia 2/9England 6/1Draw 11/2(Odds by VC Bet)