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

CRICKET BETTING - BET ON THE SECOND TEST - ENGLAND v SOUTH AFRICA 18th July

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