International Test Cricket returns when England take on the West Indies at Southampton starting Wednesday this week. We take a look at the game as well as the series from a betting angle.
This will be the first of 3 tests, the other 2 taking place back-to-back at Manchester and all 3 tests will be played behind closed doors.
Series Betting
Before we look at the 1st test let’s take a look at some of the series markets available. England are strong favourites at 1/10 to win the series with the drawn series 10/1 and West Indies are on offer at 16/1.
While I think this West Indies side may be a bit more competitive than the betting suggests I don’t see any value there, however there could be some interest amongst some of the other long term markets.
Top Team Batsman, England, Pope at 7/1.
Pope put up some impressive performances in their most recent test series in South Africa and although he bats a bit down the order I do expect him to get plenty of chances as the West Indies pace attack can do some early damage, the 7/1 looks cracking value.
Top Team Bowler, West Indies, Roach at 22/10.
Roach has developed into one of the best seamers in the world and he is a worthy favourite here. He certainly looks the most consistent West Indies bowler and I am happy to take anything at 2/1 or better about this chances.
Click Here to bet on long term markets
1st Test Betting – Click Here to bet on the 1st Test
England 3/10
Draw 6/1
West Indies 13/2
England’s most recent test match action was in South Africa where they won the series 3-1 despite going down in the 1st Test and their last home series was a 2-2 result against Australia in 2019.
The West Indies have been very lightly raced as far as Test cricket goes with no significant recent form to speak of. These sides last met in the West Indies in 2019 with the Windies winning the 3 match series 2-1.
Suggested Bets for the First Test:
Top home Bowler, first innings Anderson at 11/4
Anderson performed very well in South Africa and showed he still has plenty of overs left in him. I am expecting Archer to come out firing, but it could be the steadier Anderson who picks up the sticks.
Man of the Match, Roach at 20/1
This is a speculative play, but like I said in the Outright Preview I do expect the West Indies to be more competitive than the betting suggests and if they are to challenge England it is most likely to be on the back of their bowling attack which is led by Roach.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
