Couch Critic provides his betting tips for the first test match between England and West Indies which starts in Southampton on Wednesday
ENGLAND VS WEST INDIES - Wednesday 08 July, Southampton
We’ve seen rugby, football and motor racing return in recent times and finally it’s cricket’s turn as well. The Windies have travelled to English shores for the first post COVID pandemic cricket series.
Setting the Scene
England are the World Champions (all be it in white ball cricket), are playing at home and are fourth on the ICC Test Rankings compared to the Windies trailing in eights spot. It’s been a long time between drinks but last time out the Poms trounced the Saffas 3-1 in the Republic. Sibley, Stokes and Root did the best with the willow as they managed over 300 runs but Ollie Pope finished with the highest average having played less. The bowling stats are of little importance with only Broad playing in all four games. Mark Wood did however catch the eye with 12 wickets in his two outings and ending with an average of 13.5 per wicket.
The last test match the men from the Caribbean took part in was against Afghanistan in November last year. Before this they succumbed 2-0 to India. In a disappointing home effort Jason Holder was the only islander to amass 100 total series runs. With the ball both Holder and Kemar Roach put in a decent shift.
How I see it Playing Out
The last time out at the Ageas Bowl the bowers had the better of things with neither team managing 300 or more. Seam had some success but it was Moeen Ali who picked up 9 wickets in that test. The hosts might have everything in their favour but without Joe Root for this first clash it is a very inexperienced top 4 doing duty for the Poms in Southampton. After what happened in their series against India the West Indies clearly also have their batting struggles. Coming off a long break all signs point to the ball dominating the bat in this first test back in the middle.
Betolimp Best Bets
Top England 1st Innings Batsman – Ollie Pope @ 6.70
Ben Stokes will be surrounded by young pups (none of them have much more than a dozen test matches a piece) and I will be backing one of them to come good. Pope shone in South Africa and with the new ball in the hands of the visiting quicks likely to “talk” a bit someone lower down the order gets my pick to perform at a good price.
A Hundred to be Scored in the 1st Innings – No @ 1.72
Since I’m expecting conditions and slow re-start to play its toll, I reckon the chances are that we won’t see a first innings hundred straight out the blocks.
Man of the Match – Ben Stokes @ 7.30
Perhaps the obvious pick every time he steps out onto the park. The man can bowl, bat and catch with the best of them yet this time around the stand-in skipper has even more incentive to perform. The feisty leader is surrounded by youngsters in the batting order so expect him to bat with added responsibility. With the ball he is likely as ever to pitch in with a wicket or two.
Series Bet: Top West Indies Batsman – Shai Hope @ 4.00
Hope is the class act in the field and I have to back him over the three matches to total the most runs for the visitors.
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Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change
Couch Critic
