A sporting guide to what’s on TV on July 29th and 30th including the Ashes, the All Blacks and Ascot
Saturday
Cricket
The Ashes – England v Australia – The Oval – 5th Test – Day 3 – Sky Sports Cricket – 11.00
So it comes down to a one innings shootout. Don’t expect England to hold back so an exciting if somewhat unpredictable day ahead. Weather has to be factored into the equation with rain forecast for some of Sunday and most of Sunday. Though England will no doubt score quickly, can they bowl Australia out in the time allowed by the weather. I think not, so the final Ashes results will be Australia 2, England 1, Weather 2.
Rugby Union
Rugby Championship – Australia v New Zealand – Sky Sports Action – 10:45
The All Blacks have been extremely impressive so far in this shortened Rugby Championship, particularly against South Africa. Eddie Jones’s return as Australia’s coach has been less than impressive with two losses against South Africa (away) and Argentina (home). Make that three at home this weekend and four next weekend away in the Bledisloe Cup, The All Blacks preparations for the World Cup are proceeding smoothly with their final warm-up game against the Springboks at Twickenham in late August.
Horseracing
King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes – Ascot – ITV1 & Sky Sports Racing – 15.40
An extremely competitive renewal with a very high class field. Aidan O’Brien’s dual Derby winner Auguste Rodin is favourite with the Gosden’s Emily Upjohn vying for second favourite with Hukum and King of Steel, second in the Epsom Derby. Pyledriver, winner of this race 12 months ago, comes next in the betting followed by Westover, who won the Irish Derby last year
My selection is Westover (e/w) whose odds have more than halved in the last 24 hours – good draw and was won in the soft. Luxembourg, Coolmore’s second string, is also in with a good chance of a place.
Sunday
Cricket
The Ashes – England v Australia – The Oval – 5th Test Day 4 – Sky Sports Cricket – 11.00
So will Broad’s farewell end on a high? England’s lead of 377 overnight after yesterday’s blistering batting is unlikely to be increased by much. So in theory England have two days to bowl out Australia to draw this epic Ashes series. But with rain expected later today and sunshine and showers tomorrow six full sessions are unlikely. So expect another taut exciting finish with England slight favourites over the weather.
FI
Belgian GP- Spa-Francorchamps – Sky Sports F1 – 14.00
Even a five place grid penalty is unlikely to inconvenience Max Verstappen given the dominance of the Red Bull team and its main driver. He would probably still win if he started at the back of the grid. Verstappen won yesterday’s sprint easily enough and wil win his 10th race of the year at Spa this afternoon.
Gaelic Football
All-Ireland Senior Championship Final – Dublin v Kerry – Croke Park – BBC2 & BBCi – 15.30
The final features the two winning most teams in the history of the competition with Kerry (38) and Dublin (30). Dublin had been the dominant side since 2011 winning 8 times. Kerry beat Dublin in the semi-final last year and went on to win for the first time since 2014. Can Kerry retain the trophy or will Dublin avenge last year’s loss. Too close to call with Dublin very marginal favourites.
