The first ball of the Pink Test in Sydney will be bowled on Wednesday as Australia hopes to move one step closer to an Ashes Series clean sweep.

Australia retained the urn with another dominant victory in Melbourne two weeks ago, and the only thing standing in their way of a 4-0 series lead might be the weather forecast.

Rain is expected in Sydney right through to Sunday, but the Aussies won’t let that dampen their chances of an Ashes whitewash.

For our best bets ahead of the Fourth Test at the SCG, read on below!

Australia 

There’s been only one major change to the Australian side that retained the urn at the MCG a fortnight ago.

After testing positive, Travis Head has been replaced by Usman Khawaja in the middle of the order, while Boxing Day’s hero, Scott Boland, will remain in place of the injured Josh Hazlewood.

Overall, there really isn’t much to fault about the Australian’s.

They’ve been flawless in the field, and most importantly, have made England pay for their mistakes.

Unlike in years past, this has been a real team effort from Justin Langer’s side, as young names like Boland, Cameron Green and Alex Carey have all contributed in major ways.

Anything close to the performance we saw in Melbourne should see the Aussies prevail, especially if Steve Smith can finally find some form with the bat.

The bowling attack, led by Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, has been reminiscent of days gone, and with England low on confidence, it’s hard to see that changing anytime soon.

England 

With the urn out of reach, England now turns its attention on avoiding an Ashes whitewash in Sydney.

It’s hard to imagine things getting any worse, but with COVID running rampant in the locker room, the visitors now find themselves short-handed on the coaching front.

Meanwhile, on the field, Stuart Broad looks set to return after being left out of the Boxing Day Test.

The bowling attack has been among a long list of problems for England so far, but there’s no question Broad’s place in the side will bring some much-needed experience, and relief, for the likes of James Anderson.

Unfortunately, problems with the bat look likely to continue for the visitors.

Dawid Malan and Haseed Hameed have struggled mightily atop the order, leaving Joe Root to do the bulk of the work at No. 3.

Ollie Pope and Rory Burns have also fallen well short of expectations, while we’re yet to see Ben Stokes fire like he has in previous Ashes series.

With belief at an all-time low and the Aussie bowlers operating at an elite level, this shapes as another long five days for England.

Match Betting 

We’ve said it right throughout the series, but until England makes the most of its chances, it’s hard to see them coming close to a win.

Dropped catches have given the likes of Marnus Labuschagne and David Warner nine lives at the crease, while the overall decision making by not only the selectors but also captain Joe Root, has been perplexing, to say the least.

You’d like to think England can at least put up a competitive effort, but with some experienced minds missing from the coaching ranks due to COVID, things aren’t about to get any easier.