England v South Africa Fourth Test Betting Tips

England retained the Basil D’Oliveira Trophy after their comprehensive win in the third Test at The Oval. Even a win for South Africa in the Fourth Test wouldn’t change its destination although the hosts would love to win the series outright. The final Test starts at Old Trafford, Manchester from Friday, August 4.

The margin of victories may tell a different story but both sides struggled to be consistent. England are ahead but only because South Africa have been worse. Are we in for one final twist in the series?

England’s chance to iron out deficiencies
A heavy loss at Trent Bridge sandwiched between thumping wins at Lord’s and The Oval do not give a true picture of England. There still are question marks hanging over Keaton Jennings who may have earned just another match with a chancy knock at The Oval.

Good news though is that Tom Westley has slotted nicely at number three, easing the scoring burden on captain Joe Root. Only worry is the lack of runs from Dawid Malan although Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow lend stability to the middle order.

James Anderson is struggling after an injury break although Stuart Broad and newcomer Toby Roland-Jones have been relentless with the ball. Moeen Ali has performed his task almost behind the scenes with such serenity that even his hat-trick at The Oval has looked more business-like.

Can the visitors bounce back?
South Africa on the other hand have the same problems – opening worries, middle-order blues and lack of penetration with the ball. The only difference is that none of their players have stood up to be counted.

Hashim Amla and Faf du Plessis need to shoulder more responsibility with the bat. The stomach bug that hit Vernon Philander at The Oval weakened their bowling although the seamer is fit for this match.

The spin history of Old Trafford should boost Keshav Maharaj although question marks hover around all-rounder Chris Morris’ performance.

Stats
England have a record of 27 wins, 35 draws and 14 losses in 76 matches on this ground. The last 11 matches here have seen England win nine and draw two. Against South Africa, the record at Manchester reads three wins, one loss and four draws.

Picks
Who will you pick? Such has been the fickle nature of the teams that punting on a team winning the match is looking very risky. England’s win is offered at odds of $2 (William Hill) while South Africa are offered odds at $3.75 (bet365) on their win. Back England to continue their good run.

TIP: England to win – $2 at William Hill

Spinners should enjoy this pitch and Moeen at odds of $5.50 (Ladbrokes) looks a good bet to be the hosts’ best bowler. For South Africa, it should be Keshav at odds of $6 (Ladbrokes).

Root looks good for another fifty and back him to do so in the first innings at odds of $2.25 (Ladbrokes).

TIP: Root to first innings – $2.25 at Ladbrokes

TIPS ARE SIMPLY THE AUTHOR’s OPINION. ALWAYS GAMBLE RESPONSIBLY