Cricket Betting Tips: England vs Pakistan and Australia vs Bangladesh
The World Test Championship continues this week. England host Pakistan in the first Test at Headingley, while Australia face Bangladesh in Mackay.
Here, Sports News Blitz cricket betting expert Himanshu Sharma breaks down the best bets, value plays and key betting angles for this week’s Test matches.
England vs Pakistan: First Test
Date and time: Wednesday, August 19 at 11:00 am BST
Venue: Headingley, Leeds
England begin their three-Test series against Pakistan at Headingley. The hosts will look to recover after losing their series against New Zealand in June.
Joe Root returns as England’s Test captain, adding another layer of intrigue. However, the betting focus is on England’s pace attack and the conditions in Leeds.
England enter the match as 1.30 favourites. Pakistan are available at 3.30.
Headingley conditions could favour England
Headingley often offers pace-friendly conditions. This could give England’s quicks an early advantage.
Persistent cloud and rain could also help seam and swing bowlers. Therefore, the weather could play an important role in the betting markets.
Recent matches at Headingley have produced plenty of runs. However, tougher overhead conditions could make batting more difficult this time.
Jofra Archer looks a strong betting angle
Jofra Archer stands out as one of the key betting options. He took 11 wickets at an average of 22.81 across the two Tests against New Zealand.
Archer also has an impressive record at Headingley. In his only previous Test at the venue, he took 8/85 against Australia.
As a result, Archer could be worth considering in the player-wicket markets.
Australia vs Bangladesh: Second Test
Date and time: Saturday, August 22 at 1:00 am BST
Venue: Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay
Australia head to Mackay for the second Test against Bangladesh. The hosts will want a strong response after their surprise defeat in Darwin.
Australia remain heavy favourites at 1.06. Meanwhile, Bangladesh are priced at 7.05 to produce another major upset.
Australia make a batting change
The defeat in Darwin prompted Australia to make a change at the top of the order. Opener Jake Weatherald has left the squad after scores of 23 and 0.
Matthew Renshaw replaces him and could provide greater experience at the top of the batting order.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh have a selection decision to make. Shoriful Islam has passed a fitness test and is available after missing the first Test.
However, he could struggle to regain his place. Bangladesh’s bowling attack performed superbly in Darwin.
New venue adds uncertainty
The second Test will take place at Mackay’s Great Barrier Reef Arena. The match will make the ground Australia’s 12th men’s Test venue.
The venue has limited recent red-ball history. Its most recent first-class match came in October 2024.
On that occasion, Brendan Doggett claimed 6-15 as Australia A comfortably defeated India A.
Therefore, the unfamiliar venue adds another element of uncertainty to the match.
The key question is whether Bangladesh can reproduce their impressive bowling display away from Darwin. Australia, meanwhile, will aim to use their home conditions to level the series.
READ NEXT: The Hundred 2026 – Men’s competition betting tips: Best bets and value picks for week three
