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Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Watch Live Cricket Matches

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The collapse put England at 9/1 to win the game with the Aussies firmly in control at 1/9 to level the series.

ASHES SERIES
5/2 England
11/8 Draw
6/4 Australia

BOOKIE BETS ON NEXT ASHES WARM UP INJURY

Glenn McGrath, Brad Haddin, Matt Prior – all suffered pre-match injuries ahead of crucial Ashes Test matches. And with the cricketers of both countries mistakenly fancying themselves as footballers bookie Paddy Power is now betting on which player will next injure himself in a pre-match Ashes warm-up.

Not surprisingly, the injury plagued Andrew Flintoff and Brett Lee lead the way at 3/1 and 5/1 respectively, with England wicket keeper Matt Prior – who suffered a last minute back spasm and nearly missed today’s match – following at 8/1.

Darren Haines, spokesman for Paddy Power, said: “The pre-match football games and warm-ups are taking their toll and it probably won’t be long before another player comes a cropper . Shane Warne always maintained the modern day obsession with warm-ups were a waste of time – it’s starting to look like the spin legend had a point.

Next Player Injured in a pre-match Ashes warm-up

3/1 Flintoff

5/1 Lee

8/1 Prior

12/1 Haddin

14/1 Sidebottom, Clark

16/1 Harmison

18/1 Anderson, Hilfenhaus, Siddle

20/1 Johnson

22/1 Onions, Hauritz

25/1 Strauss, Bell, Bopara, Swann, Ponting

28/1 Broad, Cook, Katich, Watson, Hussey, Clarke

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Aussie Ashes Odds Plummet

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The 2009 tournament is sure to set the cricket world alight. It is held in England where the form of the game was created 7 years ago, and international teams have now had a chance to get used to this shortened version of the sport.

World Twenty20 Betting at skybet.com is already available. You can bet on which team will win the tournament. Current champions India have been installed as early favourites. If you’re less confident about your team to win, but think they can reach the final, you can bet on that as well!

Betting on a team to win their initial group is another popular bet. England have been grouped against Pakistan and Netherlands and are still not favourites to win their group at this early stage, so could be good value.

Special bets on the tournament include top scoring batsman, leading wicket taker and top team batsman. As well as these great bets, you can also bet on which team will hit the most sixes.

With all the World Twenty20 Betting for the tournament outright, it’s easy to forget the fantastic betting that will be available in running on all the matches at skybet.com.

Click here to open a new account with Sky Bet!

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

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The NatWest Series is a 5-match series of One Day International matches, taking place between England and South Africa at the end of August / beginning of September 2008. The match schedule is 22nd August at Headingley, Leeds, 26th August at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, 29th August at The Oval and 31st August at Lord’s, with the final match of the series, unusually, taking place at Cardiff’s Sophia Gardens on 3rd September. South Africa are 1/2 favourites with 888sport to win the series, with England a best-priced 13/8 with Bet365 and Ladbrokes. Correct score betting is available, with the hosts priced at 100/30 with Stan James for a 3-2 series victory, 17/2 with bet365 to win 4-1 and 40/1 with skybet to win 5-0. The visitors are priced at 2/1 with Stan James to win 3-2, 3/1 with Ladbrokes to win 4-1 and 8/1 with skybet to win 5-0.

Skipper Pietersen revamps England batting order

Kevin Pietersen’s first decision in his new role as captain of England’s senior ODI side has been to promote Owais Shah to number three in the team’s batting order. Since being appointed captain just before the fourth and final Test against South Africa, Pietersen has not had much time to think about his options for the NatWest Series. However, as England warmed up with an inaugural one-day international against Scotland at the Grange, Shah was firmly established at number three. The Middlesex batsman did not get the chance to show off his talents in the new position, with England’s chase of a victory target of 159 being abandoned after only 2.3 overs following a downpour, but signals a change of policy under the Pietersen regime. The new skipper’s opinion is that Shah is a high, quick scoring player, with a good range of shots, who is wasted batting down the order. He achieved a one-day century against India last season and has been scoring runs this season. Pietersen intends to improve his confidence by having him bat at number three, with Pietersen himself at number four. Pietersen also pushed the recalled Matt Prior to the top of the order and watched Andrew Flintoff make an impressive ODI return with three for 21 as Scotland were restricted to 156 for nine. Former England and Yorkshire all-rounder Gavin Hamilton, who played one Test against South Africa in Johannesburg in 1999, top-scored for the Scots with 60 off 119 balls, including seven boundaries, before becoming the first of Flintoff’s victims. The middle of the England batting order looks at its strongest for a while with Andrew Flintoff, Ravi Bopara and Stuart Broad all credible performers. Paul Collingwood will provide further steel when his suspension is complete. However, despite the basis of a decent side, England still appears to be lacking in key areas. The opening partnership of Ian Bell and wicketkeeper Matthew Prior is hardly revolutionary, suggesting a lack of new ideas, while James Anderson and Flintoff undoubtedly need better support at the beginning and end of opponents’ innings.

ODI recall for Herschelle Gibbs

South Africa has no similar concerns and will open with captain Graeme Smith and the recalled Herschelle Gibbs. Hard-hitting Gibbs is a major plus for South Africa, given his destructive ODI performances. He is most memorable for his 111-ball 175 against Australia in 2006. His innings, which included 21 fours and 7 sixes, helped South Africa to pull off the greatest one-day run chase of all time, scoring 435, the highest-ever score in one-day International cricket. AB de Villiers already knows he has the beating of the England bowlers and there is a second Morkel, Albie, to support the genuinely unnerving Dale Steyn. All-rounder Albie Morkel, elder brother of quick bowler Morne, missed the successful Test series, but is keen to ensure South Africa end their already impressive tour of England on a high. However, he admitted that his greatest challenge would be re-adapting to the intensity of international cricket.

South Africa is best one-day team to visit these shores in three years and some exceptional one-day cricket is expected as a fitting end to a poor summer for England.

All odds correct at time of writing. Please click here for the latest odds

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

England v South Africa Natwest Series Betting

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England (11/10 with Paddy Power) takes on South Africa (8/11 with William Hill) in this Twenty20 match at Durham’s Riverside Ground. A sell-out crowd is expected for this increasingly popular and entertaining new format. Kevin Pietersen, England’s recently appointed captain is favourite to top-score for England, at 100/30 with Stan James.

Nottinghamshire left-arm seam bowler Ryan Sidebottom has been ruled out of Wednesday’s NatWest Twenty20 international against South Africa at Chester-le-Street with a hip problem. Sidebottom has not travelled with the England squad to face Scotland in Edinburgh and will have a fitness check at the National Cricket Performance Centre in Loughborough on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Yorkshire all-rounder Tim Bresnan has been added to the squad to face Scotland as cover for Chris Tremlett, who is suffering with a heel injury. Bresnan opened the bowling for England Lions in Saturday 16th’s six-wicket victory over South Africa that squared the mini-series between the two sides. Bresnan impressive opening spell of 8 overs realised just 28 runs, helping to restrict South Africa to just 209 from their 50 overs.

England Lions struck a timely blow for the main side as they beat a full-strength South African outfit by six wickets at Derby. Samit Patel pushed his claims for an international debut against Scotland, or later next week against South Africa, with an unbeaten 60 as he and Eoin Morgan added 113 to seal the win with 52 balls to spare. The first of the Lions matches went the South Africans’ way by four wickets at Grace Road and both sides made significant changes for this game. The visitors recalled Graeme Smith, Jacques Kallis and Mark Boucher after they were rested following the Test series, while the Lions also had some fresh faces, including a new captain Ed Joyce, with only four players remaining from the first match. Patel was one of those and enjoyed considerably more success this time after his previous golden duck. Wicketkeeper Matt Prior, promoted to open after batting at No. 5 in the previous match, gave the chase an early push until caught behind, but Patel came in with the innings chase at a crucial time on 97 for 4.

Andre Nel made two quick breakthroughs by bowling Owais Shah for 46, including three sixes, and Joyce trod on his stumps for 10. However, Patel made an impressive stand with Middlesex left-hander Morgan. The required run rate was never an issue for the Lions as Patel and Morgan moved along at close to six per over. Nel and Johan Botha were expensive as the batting pair picked off regular boundaries. The new-look Lions attack caused problems for the South Africans despite a brisk opening stand of 67 between Smith and Herschelle Gibbs. Darren Pattinson, who controversially made his Test debut at Headingley last month, struck the first blow when he bowled Gibbs but was the one bowler to take severe punishment.

The key period came when the medium-pacers, Dimitri Mascarenhas, Luke Wright and Jonathan Trott tied down the scoring. The 26 overs from that trio, along with Patel, went for just 74 runs. Kallis’ poor run continued when he was trapped lbw by Mascarenhas, who surprisingly has been omitted from the one-day squad, who then bowled Smith for 50 off 67 balls. AB de Villiers and JP Duminy struggled either side of a brief rain break before both fell to Trott and the South Africans were 117-5. They rebuilt through Mark Boucher and Vernon Philander, but couldn’t accelerate the scoring. Boucher twice cleared the boundary as the pair added 92, finishing with 63 off 67 balls. The Lions put in a much improved batting display and the likes of Patel, Prior, Shah and Wright can join up with the England squad to face Scotland in good heart.

Albie Morkel, the South Africa all-rounder, is confident that his side have what it takes to secure the forthcoming Twenty20 international against England. Morkel, older brother of quick bowler Morne, missed the 2-1 Test series win, but is keen to ensure South Africa end their already impressive tour of England on a high. Morkel is an entirely different player from his younger brother, a versatile, primarily one-day player, who has experienced English conditions while playing for Durham in this year’s Twenty20 Cup. He already has form against England, too. His 43 in 20 balls and 2 for 12 helped South Africa to a comfortable win in last year’s ICC World Twenty20.

All odds correct at time of writing. Please click here for the latest odds

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

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Series Summary

First Test – Lord’s 10th July
England made a vastly promising start to the 4-match Test series against South Africa. Having lost the toss and batting first, 152 from Kevin Pietersen and 199 from Ian Bell enabled the English side to amass a total of
593-8 declared. Despite a century from Ashwell Prince, South Africa was dismissed for 247, with Monty Panesar taking 4-74. England enforced the follow-on, with South Africa some 346 runs in arrears. The South African 2nd innings batting performance was far better. Graeme Smith (107) and Neil McKenzie (138) completed an opening partnership of 204. McKenzie was then joined by Hashim Amla (104 no) putting on 125 for the second wicket. South Africa eventually declared on 393-3, securing an unlikely draw.

Second Test – Headingley 18th July
South Africa again won the toss and chose to field first. The English batsmen struggled in the face of some lively quick bowling from Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel. Kevin Pietersen top-scored with 45 and England were dismissed inside 53 overs, for a mere 203, with Steyn and Morkel claiming 4 wickets each. Graeme Smith and Neil McKenzie put on 50 for the first South African wicket, while Hashim Amla made a useful 38. AB de Villiers and Ashwell Prince put on 212 for the 5th wicket. De Villiers was then joined wicketkeeper Mark Boucher, putting on 89 for the 6th wicket. South Africa was eventually bowled out for 522, a lead of 309.
England’s second innings was marginally better, with 50s from Alastair Cook and Stuart Broad. However, they still struggled with Steyn and Morkel (3 wickets each) and succumbed for 327, a lead of just 8 runs. Smith and McKenzie knocked 9 off 6 balls for a 10-wicket victory.

Third Test – Edgbaston 30th July
England won the toss and chose to bat. Despite 50s from Alastair Cook and Ian Bell, they struggled to 231, with skipper Michael Vaughan out for a “golden duck”. The English bowlers kept the in the game, dismissing South Africa for 314. Andrew Flintoff took 4-89 in 30 overs, James Anderson 3-72 in 26.2 overs and Ryan Sidebottom 3-81 in 25 overs. Paul Collingwood’s 135 was the highlight of the second innings, backed up by Kevin Pietersen’s 94, giving a total of 363 and a lead of 280. 154 from skipper Graeme Smith and 45no from Mark Boucher saw South Africa comfortably home, with 5 wickets in hand. This success won the series for South Africa, giving them an unassailable 2-0 lead, with just the Oval Test on Thursday 7th August remaining.

Vaughan Resigns

At a hastily arranged England and Wales Cricket Board press conference on Sunday, Michael Vaughan resigned as England captain, following the series defeat against South Africa, after their five-wicket loss at Edgbaston on Saturday. An emotional Vaughan said he will take some time out of the game and will not play in the final Test at The Oval, though remains available for selection for future England sides. The series loss to South Africa is England’s third in five series, dating back to the 1-0 reversal against India last summer. They then lost by the same margin in Sri Lanka before losing the first Test against New Zealand. England struck back to take the series 2-1, but the performances were far from convincing. Vaughan’s own lack of scoring has also added to the pressure he has experienced. In five innings in the latest series he made a humble total of 40 (2, 0, 21, 0, 17), being troubled consistently by the quicker bowlers. His last ten Tests have produced an average of 22.

With Paul Collingwood also resigning as one-day captain, Kevin Pietersen is likely to be announced as the new English captain for Test matches, One-day Internationals and Twenty20. The squad for the final Test at the Oval is likely to contain a number of changes. The overall standard of batting has been poor, and call-ups are quite possible for Ravi Bopara, Owais Shah and Robert Key. Ryan Sidebottom has been struggling with a back problem for some time, so Durham’s Steve Harmison (who was included in the 13 for the 3rd Test, but did not play) could well be back in favour and a recall for Simon Jones is also a possibility. Stuart Broad was something of a surprise omission from the side for the 3rd test, as he is a useful all-rounder, who had made 50 in his previous 3 Tests. South Africa are 7/4 with sportingbet to win the 4th Test, with England at 10/3 with Stan James and the draw at 5/4 with William Hill.

Quick bowler Dale Steyn will not be considered for the fourth Test owing to his broken thumb. South Africa has already wrapped up the series 2-0, so the management have decided not to risk him in the “dead” rubber. Steyn sustained the fracture in the field during the second Test at Headingley, where he took seven wickets in the match. He missed the series clincher at Edgbaston, with fellow strike bowler Andre Nel covering for him. Nel seized his chance by taking three wickets in England’s first innings and there would have been some tricky selection decisions for The Oval if Steyn had been fit. South Africa now seems likely to retain their series-winning line-up.

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

England v South Africa 4th Test Betting

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The 21st July marked the 27th anniversary of England completing the most famous turnaround in Test history on this ground, as Bob Willis followed Ian Botham’s heroics, bowling out Australia, to win after following on, in 1981. The 2008 Test against South Africa produced a vastly different result. South Africa won the toss and batted first, compiling a total of 522, aided by 174 from Abraham (A.B.) de Villiers and 149 from Ashwell Prince.

Disarray

The England side that had been a model of consistency for six matches was in disarray. The selection of Darren Pattinson when Ryan Sidebottom pulled out with a back injury was a shock. Captain Michael Vaughan admitted knowing next to nothing about Pattinson, who has only played eleven first-class games. Selecting him over Chris Tremlett and Paul Collingwood, along with Tim Ambrose’s promotion to no.6, was pure folly. England was completely outplayed in every department and despite the return of Andrew Flintoff, this was a performance to forget. The bowling lacked any sort of bite, allowing South Africa to rack up a massive total. South Africa enjoyed the better of the conditions, but that is the advantage of winning the toss at Headingley. The England batting in the first innings was irresponsible, with too many batsmen throwing away their wickets, resulting in a pathetic total of 203. Needless to say, Graeme Smith enforced the follow on, with England 319 behind.

South Africa rivals Australia?

South Africa’s 4th day bowling performance the ball was a team effort. Steyn and Morkel each took three apiece; Kallis and Ntini two. Even Paul Harris briefly threatened, even though he went unrewarded. Graeme Smith’s seamers were made to work for their wickets, however, and England nearly managed to survive until lunch unscathed, thanks to a partnership of 59 between Cook and Anderson. In looking for positives, which England badly need, Stuart Broad smacked his third fifty in as many Tests and the most authoritative to date, with 11 perfectly-timed fours in a partnership of 61 in just 12.3 overs with Pattinson. His innings of 67 not out was a timely reminder of how valuable he is at No.9. After bringing up his fifty from just 41 balls, a powerful cover drive off Makhaya Ntini handed England the lead, though Pattinson was bowled shortly afterwards to end the entertainment, with England just 8 runs ahead, heading for a 10-wicket defeat. Peter Moores, the England coach, defended his captain’s decision, saying, “Vaughan knows conditions here well, and he just felt that we needed a bowler to give us a full length, because the pitch looked as if it was going to be slow.” This can only put more pressure on Vaughan as England head to Edgbaston with no idea as to their best eleven players. On the evidence of these four days, South Africa rival Australia at the top of the world rankings. England cannot afford to go down this summer without a fight. They need to hit back quickly. Despite not losing at Edgbaston since 2001, England has plenty to ponder and need a complete rethink if they are to bounce back and level the series a week on Wednesday. Following the Headingley fiasco, South Africa is a best-priced 2/7 with Stan James to win the 4-match series, with England at 12/1 with skybet and a drawn series at 4/1 with Paddy Power. Unsurprisingly, South Africa is favourites for the Edgbaston Test, at 5/4 with bet365. England is 10/3 with Stan James, with the draw 6/4 with the same firm.

All odds correct at time of writing. Please click here for the latest odds

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

England v South Africa Third test Betting

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In the first Test of the four match series, at Lord’s, England, batting first, got off to a flying start with an opening stand of 114 between Alastair Cook and Andrew Strauss. Playing in the first Test against the country of his birth, Kevin Pietersen hit a virtually faultless 152, adding a record breaking 286, with Ian Bell for the fourth wicket. Between the two century stands, South Africa enjoyed their on limited period of dominance, taking 3 wickets in 13 balls. Bell then joined up with Stuart Broad, adding 152 for the 8th wicket, Broad producing a classy looking 76. England declared at 593-8, leaving South Africa chasing England’s highest total since their 604 at the Oval in 2003. An outstanding effort from England’s bowling attack dismantled South Africa for 247 on the third day. James Anderson, Chris Broad and Ryan Sidebottom removed Smith, Amla and Kallis for a total of 47, though Monty Panesar took the bowling honours with four wickets. Only Ashwell Prince, with a fine 101, provided much resistance. England enforce the follow on, with South Africa some 346 runs behind.

South Africa put up a vastly improved batting performance in their second innings, with Graeme Smith and Neil McKenzie producing an opening partnership of 204. Aided by Hashim Amla’a unbeaten 104, South Africa batted for 2 days, securing a draw with 393-3 dec. in their second innings. A typically gritty performance by the South Africans will give them heart for the second Test at Headingley, commencing on Friday, for which Boylesports have South Africa and England at 15/8 and 11/4 respectively, with Stan James betting 6/4 the draw.

The selectors have recalled all-rounder Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff to the England squad for the second Test, for his first Test since January 2007, replacing Chris Tremlett. After a frustrating fifth day at Lord’s his recall is no surprise. England set a new record, having named the same starting eleven for six matches in a row, and the player required to make way for Flintoff has been a matter for some conjecture. Flintoff seems likely to form part of a five-way bowling attack, with Paul Colllingwood the most likely to miss out. However, Ryan Sidebottom (back injury) and Stuart Broad are also contenders for omission. Broad’s improved batting performances will probably be a contributory factor to his place in the starting line-up. A best ever Test match 76 provided vital support to Ian Bell, on the second day at Lord’s. Skipper Michael Vaughan’s comments seemed to suggest that Collingwood would miss the Headingley test. Vaughan said “.it hurts when you’re not getting runs and you’re not contributing, and when you get a decision you probably think everything’s against you…”

Following the drawn First Test, the revised series betting is 6/5 South Africa (Ladbrokes), 5/2 England (bet365), with the drawn series at 11/4 with totesport. Headingley tends to be, traditionally, more of a “result” pitch than Lord’s, so the second Test looks like being a particularly enthralling contest.

All odds correct at time of writing. Please click here for the latest odds

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Cricket Betting: Bet on the Second Test (England v South Africa) from Lords

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The England side embarks on its latest Test Match test, against South Africa, at Lord’s, on 10th July. This is a four Test series, for which South Africa are marginal favourites at 11/10 with vcbet, England at 13/8 with William Hill and a drawn series at 7/2 with Paddy Power. For the opening Lord’s clash, South Africa are a best-priced 9/5 with totesport, with England at 11/4 (bet365) and the draw at 6/4 (Stan James).

Latest News

England has kept faith in the same squad of 12 players who took them to a 2-0 series victory against New Zealand. If (as seems likely) the same starting 11 is named on the morning of the first Test, England will become the first country to name an unchanged side for six matches in succession. However, selector Geoff Miller, was anxious dispel suggestions that the Test team has become a closed shop. “Everyone has got to perform. We left bowlers out in New Zealand, and that made a difference, and at one stage we left Andrew Strauss out. But at this moment in time we feel we have got solid players, strong in technique and good mentally as well,” he said.

Miller conceded that if Andrew Flintoff’s comeback continues as it has done so far, he would definitely be under consideration for the 2nd Test at Headingley, commencing on July 18th. As a result, a number of players will be concerned about their Test places, including Ian Bell, Paul Collingwood, James Anderson and Stuart Broad. Miller confirmed that the current focus was the first Test, with reassessment following thereafter. Another English concern is the fitness of skipper, Michael Vaughan, suffering from soreness in a recurrent knee problem, despite making 72 for Yorkshire against Durham. England’s confidence in their captain has prompted them, again, to forego a deputy. “We’ve got senior players who’ve captained the side in different modes – Andrew Strauss, Paul Collingwood and Kevin Pietersen – so we’ll make that decision when we have to,” said Miller.

England versus South Africa is one of the most dependably absorbing contests that Test cricket has to offer. South Africa has toured England three times since their readmittance to the Test arena. Their post-apartheid record at Lord’s is impressive. South Africa’s most recent Lord’s appearance resulted in the most auspicious of their 75 victories. Only three players remain from that side, which won by an innings and 92 runs in the second Test of 2003. However, two of the three, Graeme Smith and Makhaya Ntini shared the “Man of the Match” Award on that occasion. Ardent displays have been a recurrent theme in South Africa’s English tours, including a stubborn hundred in 1994 for Kepler Wessels and Allan Donald’s dual five-wicket haul at Lord’s. However, the South African side have never maintained its early advantage. A drawn series 2003, a 2-1 loss in 1998, and a further draw in 1994 all they have to show. When Graeme Smith last toured England (2003) he had just made the leap form being a teenage star to skippering the Test team. He made a remarkable start to the series with double hundreds in the opening two matches, only for a resurgent England to secure a 2-2 draw in the series.

Smith, though still only 27, is a veteran captain, determined to lead South Africa to their first series win on English soil in the last 40+ years. Captain Smith believes South Africa’s “ace in the hole” is a bowling attack featuring last season’s phenomenon, fast bowler Dale Steyn. He describes the South African attack as having huge potential, along with variety and adaptability. Along with Steyn, Morne Morkel should excite the speed gun. South Africa starts as favourites because of the pedigree of such performers. However, it is an accolade they have often failed to live up to. The key confrontation of the summer could well be between the two South Africans who have never exhibited a shred of self-doubt. Graeme Smith and England’s Kevin Pietersen have never pretended to get on. However, the stature of the two men in their respective sides is non-negotiable. The impossibility of predicting which man will emerge supreme is precisely why this promises to be a contest worth savouring.

All odds correct at time of writing. Please click here for the latest odds

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

England v South Africa First Test Betting

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The One Day International (ODI) series between England and New Zealand consists of five matches, played on June 15th at the Riverside Ground, Durham, June18th at Edgbaston, Birmingham, June 21st at the County Ground, Hove, June 25th at The Oval and June 28th at Lord’s.

England are a best-priced 4/6 to win the series, with Paddy Power, skybet and Stan James, with New Zealand 11/8 with 888sport and Blue Square.

NEWS, KEY PLAYERS

England coach Peter Moores expects New Zealand to provide far tougher opposition in the upcoming ODI series than in a one-sided Test campaign. England cruised to a 2-0 Test series victory with an innings and nine run win, achieved with more than a day to spare, at Trent Bridge, following a 2-1 series win in New Zealand in March. The five ODIs should see the Black Caps in a far better light. New Zealand beat England 3-1 in a one-day series on home soil in February, and are ranked third in the world in the 50 over game. Last year, they reached the semi-finals of the World Cup, beating England in the pool phase. On their previous tour of England, four years ago, New Zealand won a triangular ODI series also featuring the West Indies. Moores pointed out that, as a one-day side, England are still experimenting with several roles and settling as a team, with plenty to concentrate on and will need to play very well to win the ODI series.

New Zealand skipper, Daniel Vettori, expects a marked improvement from his team in the limited overs format. “We’re a lot more confident in that format, maybe because it’s shorter and we don’t have to perform for long periods,” Vettori said. However, the left-arm spinner added, “We know we have to pick it up though, because England have the momentum. We beat them convincingly back home and we have to make sure we do that again over here to get anything out of this tour at all.” The New Zealand squad features several changes, with one-day specialist Scott Styris bolstering the middle order and Mark Gillespie adding back-up to the bowling department. Jesse Ryder had a huge impact in New Zealand’s home series and is sure to be missed. However, the presence of Brendon McCullum ensures that sufficient damaging potential remains high in the batting order.

Despite successive Test series defeats to England, Vettori is still relishing the challenge of being captain. He said, “I am enjoying it thoroughly. It is very hard but it is also very rewarding. I wouldn’t want to be in the background, I would much rather be in front trying to lead with performances.” Daniel Flynn erased some self-doubt and is now seeking a permanent New Zealand one-day international batting spot as a specialist “finisher”. One of the few positives to emerge from New Zealand’s latest test defeat, Flynn has been earmarked for the no. 6 spot in the order. The “vacancy” has been created by Brendon McCullum’s move to opening bat, along with Craig McMillan’s retirement. 23 year-old Flynn, following a third ball duck in the first innings, batted for over 2½ hours in the second innings for 49, in a stand of 94 with McCullum. Flynn still kicked himself for getting out late on the third day, one of several New Zealanders caught “fishing” at wide deliveries. After two dour innings at Lord’s and Trent Bridge, Flynn was looking forward to “opening his shoulders” in the ODIs. His only ODI innings to date was a four-ball duck against England in Christchurch in February. He scored two flamboyant one-day centuries for Northern Districts in the summer, and after his test performances, Bracewell is convinced he can be just as effective in the black uniform.

The New Zealanders sent out a warning ahead of the one-day series as Brendon McCullum’s 123 from just 98 balls led them to a 95 run victory against Worcestershire. McCullum was again behind the stumps after suffering back problems in the Test Bridge Test match. Though New Zealand were back in the more comfortable area of limited overs cricket, McCullum’s batting needs little adjustment for the different formats. The Worcestershire bowling attack (missing the rested Simon Jones) were unable to contain him. He scored 12 fours and three sixes, reaching a hundred off just 83 balls. McCullum and Jamie How made an opening stand of 101 from 90 balls. McCullum then teamed up with Ross Taylor (75 from 71 balls) to add 142 fro the second wicket. Scott Styris contributed a useful 36 off 27 balls as the total moved past 350. Worcestershire almost managed to match the New Zealanders for scoring at the start of the innings, with Vikram Solanki and Steven Davies adding 98 in 18 overs. However, when Davies was run out after a mix-up with Solanki, five wickets fell for 29, three of them to Styris, who showed the value of his troublesome medium pace

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Cricket Betting – Bet on England v New Zealand One Day Internationals

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