With the Test Series against the West Indies barely completed, England go into a 3 match ODI series against Ireland. All 3 ODI’s will take place in Southampton.
This match also signals the start of the inaugural ICC Cricket World Cup Super League which will ultimately determine the qualifiers for the 2023 Cricket World Cup.
The England side will be missing a number of familiar names with those involved in the 3rd Test against the West Indies such as Stokes and Root sitting out, England still have the bulk of their World Cup winning squad available though. This will be England’s first home ODI Series since winning the World Cup last year, but they did travel to South Africa where they drew a 3 game series 1-1 after rain washed out the second match.
Ireland are battling to prove themselves on the International stage and aside from the odd massive upset are generally whipping boys against the big dogs. Punters will recognise Kevin O’Brien as a familiar name dating back as far as the World Cup 2011 and he looked good in the warm-up match. Ireland went to the West Indies at the start of the year and lost the series 3-0.
These sides have played against each other 10 times with England winning 8, Ireland 1 and 1 no result.
MATCH BETTING
England 1/9
West Indies 6/1
Click here to bet on England v Ireland 1st ODI
England are understandably short priced favourites and we will look elsewhere for our selections in this series.
Bet: Batsman to score a 50, Johnny Bairstow, YES, at 11/10
There is a big difference between ODI and Test cricket, but Bairstow will be eager to prove his worth to the English selectors with a strong performance here. I am backing Bairstow to come out firing and to score a 50.
Bet: Top away batsman, Harry Tector at 9/2
Tector looks likely to make his 50 over debut and he has looked sharp in the warm-ups. Likely to bat in the middle order he may be able to avoid some of the fiery bowling bowling up front and give us a run for our money.
South Africans can keep an eye on Curtis Campher who toured England with The South African Under-19’s, but has opted to play for Ireland.
If you are not sure of what to bet on before the game starts keep an eye out for in play betting.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
