CRICKET BETTING: Live on Skysports 1: Thu 14.00 Bangladesh begin an ODI tour of the UK and Ireland with 3 games against England, starting in Nottingham. The bookies have written the tourists off.
Bangladesh have returned to the UK, a mere 4 weeks after finishing a 2 test series in England, to compete in a host of ODI matches. A hint of controversy surrounded the Bangladeshi departure as they opted to re-instate Mortaza as captain, replacing Shakib, who is currently top of the ODI all-rounder rankings.
First up is a 3 match face-off with England, starting on Thursday in Nottingham. Bangladesh, somewhat predictably, are 7/1 outsiders with Betdaq to win, England an uninspiring 1/8 at Bet365.
The tourists got off to a howler of a start in a warm up ODI against Sussex, scraping 104 runs and losing by a resounding 149 runs. They fared much better in the follow up against Middlesex, putting a solid victory on the board which goes someway to banishing a nightmare start. Islam and Kayes showed exactly what they had to offer, Shakib and Tamim Iqbal also threatening slightly.
Bangladesh do have a dangerous ODI side when they are firing and 7/1 seems a little unfair. The way England let Australia back into the series (just finished) from 3-0 up was a little alarming and there may well be a few strands of complacency still floating around the dressing room. England showed that they were very competitive when concentrating but Bangladesh don’t offer the same incentive to get motivated as Australia, the Old Enemy.
Looking for surpises in the markets provides slim pickings. If you fancy Bangladesh to nick one game, which isn’t out of the question, IF England go 2-0 up, then a 2-1 correct series score is 15/4 at Bet365.
For the 1st ODI however, Shakib can let loose without the captains shackles and go for a good knock. He is quite proficient against England and can get a good 40 on the board. Totesport offer 6/1 for him to top score for Bangladesh.
England offer more choices but eyes will fall on Morgan who was destructive against Australia. He is 5/1 with Paddy Power to top score in this ODI but Collingwood, who went about his business quietly as usual in the recent Natwest series, can be the man to blaze a top knock for England, 11/2 to do so with Boylesports. Stuart Broad looks ready to continue a great year for him and take the top amount of wickets in the series for England at 5/2 with William Hill.
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