England vs South Africa Preview

England take on South Africa in a best of three test series (don’t ask why it is not a five test series) between England, the current number one test side in the world, and South Africa. The tourists know that if they can defeat England they will become the number one ranked test side in the world.

Bookmakers make England the favourites to win the series. England have not lost a home series since 2008 (coincidentally when South Africa were last here). If you think that this home advantage will see England home then you can get 15/13 (Bwin) on another victory for the hosts. If you think the tourists can repeat the events of 2008 then you can get 11/4 (Bodog) for a South African series victory. Those who think that the two sides are evenly matched and can not split them can get 3/1 (general) the draw. Some stats to note, two of the last four series between these sides have been drawn, while the recent records point to a close series. These two sides have seven wins each from their 20 previous test meetings. In terms of recent form England have won ten and lost five of their past 18 tests, while South Africa have won eight and lost four from their last 18.

The close nature of the two teams is shown in the ’correct series score market’ with the 1-1 draw heading the market at 9/2 (sportingbet). Those who think England can win the series can get England 2-0 at 11/2 (ladbrokes), England 1-0 is 21/4 (Bwin) while those who fancy the Proteas to win can get 9/1 (sportingbet) a 1-0 series victory and 12-1 (Sportingbet) a 2-0 victory, 2-1 South Africa is 14/1 (Sportingbet).

Bookmakers are also offering a number of series markets on either ’top batsman’ or ’top bowler’, you can back these per side (England/South Africa) or as a combined option. The strategy in these markets might be to back someone who you think will go well in the First Test as their price will get smaller and you can always make moves to cover your bases. In terms of top batsman then Kevin Pietersen could be the man to be with early, he has the highest batting average of the England team at the Oval, a healthy ground average of 66.09. Bell (50.63) and Cook (45.63) are next in line, while Strauss has struggled here managing just (37.64). KP is 4/1 (general) for ’top England series batsman,’ 7/1 (Skybet/Coral) ’top series batsman’ and 4/1 (general) to be ’top English batsman in the First Test. ’

The top England bowler market is led by James Anderson at 9/4 (general), while Stuart Broad is 11/4 (general), Graeme Swann is 100/30 (Stan James). Swann is the man with the best figures at the Oval with the spinner bagging 24 wickets here from the last three tests, at a rate of 20.16 each. Swann can be had at a generous 7/2 (general) to take most England wickets in the first test and at 18/1 (bet365) to be the Man of the Match.

Those looking for a bet on the first test which starts Thursday (19th July) can get 15/8 (general) an England victory and 31/10 a South African one (youwin). The venue for the opening test is The Oval and England have lost just one of their last ten at the ground. Rain is forecast so some might want to play the draw at 5/4 (bet365/ladbrokes), another option could be England in the draw no bet market at 8/13 (general).

It promises to be a cracking series between the two top teams in the world, hopefully you can leave the bookies stumped.

Go To bet365

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18/07/2012     © Frixo 2024