Bookies Blog

This years’ ashes has already seen some real drama, first England’s tail end bravely fought off a dominant Australian attack to save themselves from defeat in Cardiff. Then, in the second test, the England team bounced back to a magnanimous victory over their Australian counterparts. Stereotypically, it seems that the two teams may well have switched playing styles, as the English side have definitely looked the more determined side do far.

The bookies, however, still put the Australians as favourites to win the third test at Edgbaston. The Australians are top priced 7/4 whilst England are available at 7/2, England are without their star batsman Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff’s knee injury may worsen as the series continues. Ricky Ponting will be pretty determined to show up Birmingham and the Australians may be worth backing.

Meanwhile Ricky Ponting is tipped as 7/2 favourite to be the top Australian batsman, whilst if Michael Clarke keeps up his recent form 5/1 with Ladbrokes in the same market may be a generous price. In the series betting both sides now stand at 5/2 to take the series and despite their one nil lead it seems England are the team to lay. Australia, despite their poor start to the series, seem good value at 5/2 and look far safer than backing a temperamental England at the same price.