Cricket Betting: India vs England Series Preview
The last time India lost a Test series at home was to England. Naturally when the Englishmen come to town, the hosts would hope to erase those bad memories and prove their superiority. On top of that, England come on the back of a Test match loss in Bangladesh, this means India will be hot favourites for the five-match series that starts on Wednesday, 9th November.
The last three series against England have been nightmarish for India – losing 4-0 in 2011 in England, 2-1 at home in 2012 and 3-1 in England back in 2014. Needless to say there is so much at stake, including pride, for the hosts. However, the dynamics of the side has changed with Anil Kumble and Virat Kohli leading a confident young side to successive wins over West Indies and New Zealand.
The loss of prolific opener K.L. Rahul to injury is a blow but in Gautam Gambhir they have an able back-up. The form of Virat Kohli will be crucial especially as England have always played him better than any other team. As Rohit Sharma is out due to injury, Ajinkya Rahane would be expected to lead the middle-order.
Indian spin bowling is at its peak with Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja claiming wickets in buckets in the recent series. Amit Mishra is a handy option to have as a third spinner while Mohammad Shami will try to make the most of his presence as a strike seamer.
The England top order have some questions to answer after the Bangladesh debacle but may stick with Ben Duckett and Gary Ballance. Alastair Cook and Joe Root will be key to their batting with Jonny Bairstow expected to lend solidity to their middle order.
However, it is the presence of Ben Stokes which is raising expectations for the visitors. He is definitely an X-factor for England on these dry pitches. Moeen Ali has fond memories of playing against India and would love to continue that while Adil Rashid and Zafar Ansari will be a handful in the spin department.
India are huge favourites to win the series but don’t count this England side out. A slightly risk-filled punt would be to back the Poms to surprise the Indians.
TIP: England to win the series – $12 at Sportsbet
Cook loves to graft in these conditions and at odds of $3.50, he is a good punt to finish as top England batsman. Same goes with Murali Vijay for India.
TIP: Alistair Cook most runs for England – $3.50 at Sportsbet
TIP: Murali Vijay most runs for India – $4.50 at Sportsbet
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