Live on Sky Sports 2: Weds 11.00: England are 10/11 (Skybet) to win the first Ashes Test and it’s their bowlers that can prove crucial.
Trent Bridge is the venue for the first of five Ashes Test matches and both teams will be keen to make a flying start in a clash that should produce a result given the excellent weather conditions predicted in Nottingham across the full five days.
England are odds-on favourites at 10/11 with Skybet to open up a 1-0 lead in a series they’re expected to win while Stan James post 10/3 against Australia providing bookies with a boost by sealing victory in the opener and it’s also 10/3, this time at Hills, to finish all square.
The team that bats first on what will be a dry pitch, is likely to have a modest advantage but the toss notwithstanding, the hosts should have the edge and it’s their bowling attack that can make the difference.
Both James Anderson and Stuart Broad have excellent records on this ground and the former has been particularly consistent over the last few years. It’s no surprise then to see Anderson installed as the 9/4 favourite by Paddy Power to be his side’s top wicket taker and the 30-year-old also looks cracking value at 9/2 (Stan James) to be rack up the most victims out of any of the bowlers on show.
The batting markets are a little harder to predict, although Joe Root will attract cash at 5/1 via BetVictor to be England’s top runs scorer. Nevertheless, in terms of value, the pick has to be Matt Prior. The wicket keeper consistently produces the goods, might be required to steady an innings if his team take a while to settle and he just looks too big at 12s courtesy of bet365.
Recommended Bets:
James Anderson to be the top bowler – 9/2 (Stan James)
Matt Prior to be top England runs scorer – 12/1 (bet365)
Compare all Ashes odds and bet at the best price.
