Number eights Agar and Broad worth backing for more Ashes runs

Ashton Agar may have been predominantly picked for his bowling in the first Ashes Test at Trent Bridge, but even though he ended the match with two wickets, it was his batting for which is he obviously chiefly remembered.

His 98 in the first innings has been well documented and the knock-on was a promotion up the order to number eight for the second, where he took his total runs for the match to 112.

There is no reason to suggest that he will not start the second Test at Lord’s or at this point for the remainder of the series. Even if fellow spinner Nathan Lyon is recalled, it is more likely to be at the expense of a recognised batsman.

There is not one Aussie bowler that can’t bat, with Mitchell Starc having a Test 99 to his name, James Pattinson averaged over 28 and Peter Siddle surpassing 50 twice in his career.

Therefore, if Agar runs out of batting support from those higher up the order, there is a strong chance that the Aussie tail will continue to wag for the remainder of the Ashes.

Taking everything to consideration, 5/6 looks a cracking price that Agar scores 206 runs or more in the Ashes, which is obviously a figure he is already halfway to, with four matches remaining.

There are a number of player specials for total series Ashes runs and the other offering that stands out at 5/6 is Stuart Broad.

Broad scored 89 in the first Test, including a valuable 65 in the second innings, which proved pivotal in England’s overall victory.

Scoring 186 runs in the series is Broad’s run line and the fact that the second Test is at Lord’s is notable, as England’s number eight averages over 45 at the ground from his 14 innings, which includes three half-centuries and a 169.

It is conceivable that he will surpass his total series run line after the second Test to result in an early payout.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.