Smith expected to restore Australia's status quo

It was an improved showing from England in the fourth Test at Melbourne, but the bookmakers aren't fooled that they are back on an even footing as they head for the series finale in Sydney. Australia's hopes of a 5-0 whitewash were dashed on a dead deck, but they remain 8/13 favourites to wrap up a 4-0 series win, with England and the draw both a way back at 7/2.

The reason for that Aussie favouritism is the wealth of potential matchwinners in their ranks. Steve Smith, the nailed-on Man of the Series after his three centuries to date, is 4/1 to secure his third Man of the Match award of the series, with Mitchell Starc backed to impress on his return from a heel injury - he is second-favourite at 7/1.

David Warner, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins are all considered better bets to thrive than England's two likeliest lads, James Anderson and Joe Root, both of whom are at 12/1. So too is Nathan Lyon, who might be worth a flutter, given Sydney's traditional assistance for spin, not to mention his exemplary displays in the series so far.

Further down the betting, Mason Crane is a distant 28/1, which might be worth a romantic punt, given that he has been guaranteed to make his England debut as a specialist legspinner. Whether he replaces or operates alongside Moeen Ali (25/1) remains to be seen, but the exuberance of youth could be a factor as he returns to the venue of his Sheffield Shield debut last year.