Following the announcement of their tour of Australia today. Coral make England 9/4 to retain the Ashes this winter.
Bet365 make Australia 10/11 whilst a drawn Series which will see the Urn return to these shores is a 3/1 shot at Ladbrokes.
Coral‘s David Stevens told betrescue.com “Although we favour Australia to win back the most famous prize in cricket, England know a drawn series will be enough to retain the Ashes, although perhaps more importantly, this series will hopefully provide the perfect antidote to the controversies that have dogged this summer’s action, and reaffirm punters’ confidence in the sport,”
The two biggest surprises in the touring party are Monty Panesar who is 5/2 at William Hill to start the first Test and Tim Bresnan who is 11/4 to start.
Speaking to betrescue, William Hill‘s Rupert Adams commented: “We like the look of the England side and think Strauss & co are our best chance of beating the Aussies in Oz for many years,”.
Meanwhile, Graeme Swann is even money at Ladbrokes to be England’s top wicket taker down under. Jimmy Anderson is 3/1, Stuart Broad and Steve Finn are both 4/1.
Ladbrokes make Captain Andrew Strauss 7/2 to top score followed by 4/1 shots Kevin Pietersen and Jonathan Trott both available at 4/1.
David Williams of Ladbrokes said: “It’s 24 years since the last England Series victory against the Aussies on home soil so it’s no surprise they’re slight favourites. England are in great form though and it’s likely the Barmy Army will heavily back the boys in the coming weeks as they fully expect England to right the wrongs of 2006/7.”
