With the excitement of the ICC Champions Trophy behind us, we now settle in to the more sedate pace of the Test series between England and South Africa.
Lord’s hosts the first Test, starting later today, with Joe Root starting his career as England captain.
The tourists have an excellent record in England since the start of the 21st century, winning two series and drawing the other. However, they are lacking a lot of experience and are distinct underdogs this time round.
That said, England haven’t played Test cricket since an innings defeat in Chennai in December. We’ll leave betting on the series outcome alone.
Instead we’ll take a look at the England only markets. New captain Root and his predecessor Alistair Cook are joint favourites to score the most runs. Talented players both, but Root could have his mind on the wider game while Cook has to dull an impressive new ball attack. We at Lap of the Odds will take a punt on Johnny Bairstow, in the form of his life, at 6/1 to score the most runs for England in the series.
On the bowling front, England’s new bowl attack Stuart Board and Jimmy Anderson have been stars for years. But there are injury doubts over both. We will take a chance on Mark Wood being England’s top series wicket taker at 4/1.
Recommendations:
Bairstow to be England’s top series run scorer at 6/1, 1 pt, Paddy Power
Wood to be England’s top series wicket taker at 4/1, 1 pt, widely available
Please subscribe for notification of up-to-date tips and news, and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
