Ashes 2025/26 1st Test Prediction: Australia make winning start in Perth

The Ashes 2025/2026 1st Test Betting Tips

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The first Test at Perth Stadium begins on Friday and I’ve taken a look at the best Ashes betting odds for the series opener.

The game is regularly associated with ‘must win’ games, usually played less by players and coaches and more by those tapping away at keyboards. I would venture to suggest that if the opening match of the series is not such a Test, history suggests that as far as England are concerned, this is a ‘must not lose’ encounter.

The Ben Stokes-led side has done some special things in recent seasons and nothing is impossible, but one thing it has not done is win an Ashes series from down or from behind. They will have to start well, as giving Australia an early lead is very likely to cost them any chance of the series.

Not since Frank ‘Typhoon’ Tyson defeated the Australians in an England team led by the great Sir Leonard Hutton in 1954-55 has the tourists come from behind and won an Ashes series. That means full 70 years.

An England win would really set up the series, but let’s not forget, their on-field preparation has been negligible in preparation and they may regret it this week.

The Ashes 2025 1st Test Betting Prediction 1: Result: Australia to Win – 3 Points Win @ 8/11 (betvictor,

Ashes 2025 1st Test betting: Starc will deliver for Australia

I recently spoke to Jason Gillespie, the former Australian fast bowler who completed the most powerful opening partnership in Test history with Glenn McGrath. Now whether this was a bit of Australian deception or not, time will tell but ‘Dizzy’ said the pitches down this season have not been as fast and bouncy as England usually find.

He believes those conditions will reduce England’s peak pace somewhat, and while Australia will miss Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood (both of whom will not play in this opening Test due to injuries), their potential replacements Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett have the skills to be a real threat on their home ground.

There is a big opportunity for England here. I know, Boland took 18 wickets at 9.55 in just three matches when the Australian team won 4-0 in 2021-22. He is no mug, but even with Cummins and Hazlewood fit, he has not been the first-choice opening batsman.

Brendon Doggett, who at the age of 31 could become the Australian team’s first fast bowler for four years, has taken 190 first-class wickets at an average of 26.46, which should make him competitive but the fact is that he has not been selected for his country before now and so he does not have as much fear as the two missing openers.

However, one man who has been a vital part of the Australian fast bowling battery over the last decade is Mitchell Starc. He is consistent, he still has pace, he bowls an average yorker and he also has a different angle of attack. I am backing him to take the responsibility as a senior fast bowler and become the hosts’ top bowler with solid value in this Test. betting sites,

Ashes 2025 1st Test Betting Predictions 2: Top Australia Bowlers: Mitchell Starc – 1st Win @ 9/4 (BoyleSports,

Ashes 2025 1st Test Prediction: Keep an eye on Archer

The visitors are known for their explosive style of batting. It’s unlikely that will change under the current regime, but I would urge Stokes to encourage his team to play a more measured style if they are to win the season and achieve Test success.

With another 31-year-old player Jake Weatherald also likely to make his debut with the bat, there are potential ways the tourists can turn up the heat against their opponents and win some crucial battles.

However, if they continue with their aggressive approach, going from spectacular to disastrous in such an important series for both countries, I would fear the worst.

Provided that both Mark Wood and Jofra Archer move into the middle, Perth could prove to be a serious threat. Wood’s Headingley spell in 2023 was the fastest I’ve ever seen and he doesn’t need to bowl too many deliveries to make a big impact. Archer, perhaps the most consistent of the pair, is another who can rattle some cages.

Ashes 2025 1st Test Betting Prediction 3: Top England Bowlers: Jofra Archer – 1st Win @ 9/4 (Ladbrokes,

Ashes 2025 1st Test preview: Will Brook live up to expectations?

He could emerge as England’s top scorer for the series and if that’s the case, I’m backing Harry Brook to get off to a good start.

If ever there was a batsman designed for England’s current modus operandi, it is the Yorkshireman and he looks worth backing to lead the visitors.

He finished the final Test match of the English summer with a century, albeit in a losing cause against India. Brook has a strong Test match record on foreign soil, especially in New Zealand.

If he can transfer those skills to the Australian environment, England will be in good stead of the game at Optus Stadium. Brook is a good value on cricket betting sites and he tops England’s run charts in the opener.

Ashes 2025 1st Test Betting Prediction 4: Top England Batsman: Harry Brook – First Win at 100/30 (bet365,

Ashes 2025 1st Test betting: Aussies take lead

One department where Australia has the upper hand is spin. Nathan Lyon is an old master for the hosts, while Shoaib Bashir is still a work in progress and has only recently returned from injury and looked poor in the warm-up.

On home soil, the Australian team’s batting line-up still has strong players like Steve Smith and Travis Head, who will likely be candidates for the leading run-scorers in the series.

If they can dismiss Marnus Labuschagne again, bearing in mind he has not scored a Test century in 30 innings since scoring 111 in the 2023 Ashes at Old Trafford, they will still prove difficult to topple.

Travis Head is a very exciting player and, as England have found out to his value both home and away, he can take games away from you very quickly. He will give chances again and again and England will have to be ready to snatch them away because otherwise, he could go on a riot.

I’m keen to see him emerge as Australia’s top batsman for the series and that could start with this opening Test as he sees value to those looking to play in the man of the match market.

Ashes 2025 1st Test Betting Predictions 5: Australia’s Top Batsmen: Travis Head – 1st Win @ 9/2 (bet365,

Ashes 2025 1st Test Betting Prediction 6: Man of the Match: Travis Head – Win by 0.5 points @ 11/1 (bet365,

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