The Ashes - Second Test Preview

A recent interview with Ian Bell recently revealed the secret of the first Test success for England was the fact that they all settled on the balcony and had an ice-cream. A Cornetto in case you ask though other ice-cream brands are available. Bell suggested that this helped keep them cool mentally and physically. It remains to be seen if the Barmy Army add ’Just One Cornetto’ to their itinerary for the second Test at Lord’s.

Thursday is the start of the second Test and both teams will have reasons to believe they can come out on top. England will take encouragement from the fact they won the series opener which was their third straight victory over Australia. England will also be boosted by their record at Lord’s where they are in great form losing just one of their last 15 Tests and winning seven of their last nine. The hosts are 13/14 (888 SPORT/unibet) for victory.

Australia will take heart from the fact that for a few controversial decisions they could have gone on to win the opening Test. Lord’s should hold no fears for them either as they have a great record here losing just once since 1934 though this defeat did come in the last meeting between in the Ashes 2009. If you fancy Australia can get revenge in the Second Test then you can back them for victory at 16/5 (boylesports/STAN JAMES).

The drawn Test is unlikely as the weather is set to be good and just one of the last ten Tests here have ended drawn. Those who disagree can back the draw at 11/4 (GENERAL).

I would lean towards England for victory as their top seven batsman for England average 305.24 per Test while the same batsman for Australia average 242.2. Australia can not depend upon dramatic late batting stances in every innings. A lot though depends on winning the toss as the laat two Tests here have been won byt the side batting first so keep an eye on this and look also to bet in running as the prices could rise and fall like they did in the opener.

The top England batsman market is headed by Jonathan Trott and deservedly so as his 69.58 as his average is a long waya head of closest rival which is Broad at 44.30. At 15/4 (STAN JAMES/888 SPORT/unibet) he looks a little too short. The best value though could be in backing Matt Prior who should be more comfortable batting here than at Trent Bridge. Prior has scored over 70 in three of his last six innings here and looks outside value at 12/1 (bet365/STAN JAMES) to be top England batsman.

Brad Haddin looks great value at 11/1 (GENERAL) to be top Australian batsman. Haddin grabbed 71 in the second innings in the first Test and put on 108 (including an 80 in his second innings) when he last played at this venue.

The best bet though is the 2/1 (SKYBET/STAN JAMES) on James Anderson to be top England wicket-taker. Anderson took ten wickets in the last Test and has taken 58 wickets from 13 matches at Lord’s. He looks in prime form and seems confident that he has shaken off his injury. Ryan Harris might be value at 9/2 (GENERAL) for top Australian bowler though a lot depends on whether he is selected so hold off on this bet until team news is in.

BEST OF THE BETS

GOLD: James Anderson to be top England wicket-taker, 2/1 (SKYBET/STAN JAMES)
SILVER: Brad Haddin to be top Australian batsman, 11/1 (GENERAL)
BRONZE: Matt Prior to be top England batsman, 12/1 (bet365/STAN JAMES)

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21/07/2013     © Frixo 2026