Weekly Cricket Roundup – Ashes Update & 2023 Cricket World Cup Odds

It’s been another busy week in the world of cricket, with the second Ashes Test serving up tons of controversy. The 2023 Cricket World Cup qualifying matches continue to deliver gripping action.

Elsewhere, England’s domestic T20 Blast tournament is in full swing following a dramatic group-stage campaign, with all four quarterfinals scheduled for later this week.

In this week’s cricket roundup, I will be looking back at the second Ashes Test and checking out the updated odds for the series between England and Australia. On top of that, I will assess the latest 2023 Cricket World Cup odds and share my picks for the T20 Blast quarterfinals.

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Ashes Update – Australia Takes a 2-0 Series Lead

Despite the best efforts of England captain Ben Stokes, Australia won the second Ashes Test at Lord’s to take a 2-0 lead in the series.

Stokes scored 155 runs off 214 balls as England attempted to chase down the Aussies in the second innings, with the 32-year-old smashing nine 4s and nine 6s in the process. However, the hosts were unable to prevent a 43-run defeat. 

The second Test produced drama and controversy throughout the contest, not least when Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey contentiously stumped Jonny Bairstow. Even so, the Aussies were the stronger team once again. 

Odds for the Third Ashes Test 

• Australia (+119) 
• England (+158) 
• Draw (+356) 

The third Ashes Test gets underway at Headingley on Thursday, July 6th. As you can see, Australia is the bookies’ favorite to win the third Test, although England is not too far behind. 

With England employing an aggressive, all-or-nothing approach under head coach Brendon McCullum, the draw is pretty much taken out of the equation. That said, the weather could impact the result in Leeds. 

2023 Ashes Outright Odds

• Australia (-700) 
• England (+900) 
• Draw (+800) 

Unsurprisingly, Australia is heavily favored to win the 2023 Ashes series. Having already won two of the five Tests, a victory for the Aussies at Headingley would see them retain the famous urn. 

With England priced at +900 and the draw priced at +800, you would have to be a brave bettor to bet against Australia. However, the Aussies’ price of -700 is barely worth bothering with. 

2023 Cricket World Cup – Qualifying News and Outright Odds

The big news to come out of the 2023 Cricket World Cup qualifying campaign concerns the West Indies, as the two-time champion has failed to qualify for the tournament for the first time in history. 

Elsewhere, Sri Lanka has secured a spot after claiming four straight Super Six wins, while the Netherlands and Scotland remain in contention for a place in the tournament. 

The 2023 Cricket World Cup will take place in India between October 5th and November 19th. With three months until the tournament kicks off, let’s check out the latest outright odds for the 2023 Cricket World Cup. 

2023 Cricket World Cup Winner Odds

As expected, host nation India is favored to win the 2023 Cricket World Cup. The Indians have won the title on two occasions over the years and reached the semifinals in each of the previous two editions. 

Defending champion England is the bookies’ second favorite to win the 2023 Cricket World Cup, while five-time champion Australia rounds out the top three.

West Indies finally have their first win in the Super Six stage with a comprehensive victory against Oman 👊#CWC23 | 📝 #WIvOMA: https://t.co/3rCHtdzSWb pic.twitter.com/X1NEB1nAxn

— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 5, 2023

In the eyes of the bookies, Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa are the only other realistic contenders at this stage. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh bridge the gap between the favorites and outsiders. 

T20 Blast – Updates and Picks for the Quarterfinals

Over in England, the T20 Blast quarterfinals are right around the corner. Before we get to my picks for the upcoming matches, let’s look at the matchups. The first clash is scheduled for Thursday, July 6th, with the remaining three slated for Friday, July 7th. 

• Warwickshire vs. Essex 
• Lancashire vs. Surrey 
• Somerset vs. Nottinghamshire 
• Hampshire vs. Worcestershire 

2014 champion Warwickshire takes on 2019 champion Essex, while Lancashire (last year’s runner-up) faces Surrey. Somerset hosts 2017 and 2020 champion Nottinghamshire, while defending champion Hampshire faces Worcestershire. 

Without further ado, here are my 2023 T20 Blast quarterfinal predictions and picks. 

Warwickshire (-170) vs. Essex (+135)

Warwickshire finished five points clear at the summit of the North Group after picking up 11 victories in 14 matches. With T20 icon Glenn Maxwell leading the way, I’m backing the Bears to overcome Essex.  

Best Bet: Warwickshire (-170)

Lancashire (-137) vs. Surrey (+100)

Lancashire heads into the quarterfinals on a run of five victories in six matches, while Surrey has suffered three straight defeats. Still, Surrey will be determined to cause an upset at Old Trafford. 

Best Bet: SIGN IN TO ACCESS T20 BLAST PICK

Somerset (-169) vs. Nottinghamshire (+134)

Somerset finished the group-stage campaign with the best record in the tournament, claiming 12 victories in 14 matches. Accordingly, Somerset is favored to dispatch Nottinghamshire, but the Outlaws know what it takes to go all the way. 

Best Bet: SIGN IN TO ACCESS T20 BLAST PICK 

Hampshire (-166) vs. Worcestershire (+131)

After lifting the trophy last season, the Hampshire Hawks won nine of their 14 group matches this year. Worcestershire registered eight victories during the group stage, although the Rapids’ run rate is nowhere near Hampshire’s. 

Best Bet: SIGN IN TO ACCESS T20 BLAST PICK 

Come Back Next Week for More 2023 Cricket World Cup Updates

That concludes this week’s cricket roundup. With the Ashes and the T20 Blast in full swing – and the 2023 Cricket World Cup on the horizon – it is certainly an exciting time for cricket fans. 

Be sure to tune in next week for more cricket picks, news and betting tips. I will be keeping a close eye on the 2023 Cricket World Cup odds in the lead-up to the tournament, and I will also keep you up to date with all the latest Ashes and T20 Blast developments.