England took a giant step towards becoming the number one test ranked team in the world following their crushing 319 run victory in the 2nd Test and are available at scarcely believable prices ranging from upwards of 11/10 upwards to claim a third test win and seal their place at the top of the world test rankings and I see no reason for that not to continue here.
This ground is a haven for England – Of the last eight test matches played on this ground, England have won five, two have been drawn and South Africa's win here in 2008 is the only defeat for the hosts in recent years. England thrashed Pakistan by 9 wickets here a year ago, having dismissed the visitors for just 72 in the first innings, and it’s fair to say that India are in the same form now.
India have been lethargic in this series and while they’ve had excuses the same problems are still evident, only worsened by now it's been confirmed that the ace in their pack, Zaheer Khan, will miss the rest of the series. His replacement, RP Singh, played the latest of 13 Tests in April 2008 and has taken just 40 Test wickets at an average of 39.10, which isn’t helpful in this situation.
Many in the Indian unit will be hearted by the fact that India were at last able to field their first-choice Test opening batsmen but neither Virender Sehwag nor Gautam Gambhir was in long enough to read themselves, both having been dismissed cheaply y Northamptonshire second-string bowlers.
The fact he’s back is a positive but it has to be asked how fit or ready Shewag will be having come back from a shoulder op against what looks like the best test bowling attack in cricket at this time. Of India’s batsmen, only Dravid has made it to a century (one in each test) and Laxman and Tendulkar are averaging either side of 30 after four innings.
A lack of strength in depth has been the main problem and difference between India and England in this series. While the likes of Broad, Swann and especially Bresnan have been giving England first innings leads the likes of Kumar and Sharma have been sitting ducks, shown especially as Broad conjured up his hat‑trick in a spell of five wickets at no cost, which too India from a lead of 46 to less than 300 all out.
While England should win, there are some interesting batting stats as well. India’s totals in the four innings so far read, 286, 261, 288 and 158 and their opening partnerships comprise of 63, 19, 0 and 6. England’s totals(474, 269, 221, 544) make for lovely reading but their opening partnerships are 19, 23, 7 and 6. Take Sportingbet’s 11/20 that the first match wicket falls before 50 runs.
Advice
4 pts England (7/5 Bet365)
3 pts Fall of 1st wicket at under 50 runs (11/20 Sportingbet)
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