England fly out to Australia to begin their Ashes tour tomorrow, so it's worth scouring the markets to look for some early value especially on the overall Series markets.
Starting with the Top England Bat market, Matt Prior is available at twice/thrice the price of the top 6. Although Prior hasn't played Test cricket in Australia previously, he has a test batting average of over 40 away from home. Allied with a strike rate of 80 against Australia and true pitches which should suit Prior's positive stroke-play, this looks a huge price.
Graeme Swann is a worthy favourite to be England's top series wicket taker, but odds of 2-1 are hardly attractive. Swann's odds however may well lengthen should the seamers get off to a good start, so maybe sit tight on this market as the last test is to be played in Sydney, traditionally the most spin friendly of the grounds.
Shane Watson is currently joint favourite to be top Aussie run scorer after finishing 2nd only to Sachin Tendulkar in runs scored in the recent 2 match test series in India. I can't see lightning striking twice, especially over a 5 match format for a batsman with only 2 test centuries to his name. Should Watson see off the new ball, he'll do well to survive the first ball he receives from Swann, so this looks a good bet to lay.
Finally I'm backing Doug Bollinger to be top Aussie wicket taker although i'm holding off placing any bets until Bollinger's fitness is confirmed.
One last eye-catching bet for the faithful - KP to be overall series top run scorer at 9.2
Like your faith in KP - they look decent odds. If he clicks back into form he could dominate the average-looking Aussie attack. Prior - intersting shout, but I have a feeling Strauss will fill boots.
ReplyDeleteNot sure you can write off Watto - man in form and all that. Saying that, Mr Cricket looks value for highest scoring Aussie to me.
Jimmy Anderson is the key.