General

Don't underestimate West Indies in Twenty20

England and West Indies lock horns again for a three-match one-day series but before then there is a little bit of Twenty20 fun to be had, with the Oval the venue for the first of two encounters, on Thursday



Chris Gayle could be more of a threat to England in Twenty20 © Getty Images

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England and West Indies lock horns again for a three-match one-day series but before then there is a little bit of Twenty20 fun to be had, with the Oval the venue for the first of two encounters, on Thursday.

Click here to bet on England v West Indies at bet365

England are a much better Test side than one-day outfit while West Indies have enjoyed more success in the limited overs form than over five days of late. Twenty20, though, is something of a lottery and bet365 are taking a chance in making West Indies 13/8 (2.62) outsiders for the first match.

In fact, West Indies have more attacking batsmen than England who will love the chance to slog their way through a brief innings. The likes of Chris Gayle, Runako Morton and Dwayne Bravo can cut loose and England's bowlers could be in for a tough time.

That said, England have a few big hitters of their own and Kevin Pietersen and co will probably relish the chance to have another crack at the West Indies' bowling attack. Bet365 make them 4/9 to win the first match.

England are 8/11 to have the better opening partnership - to England's evens - while it's pretty close in the betting for the side with the most sixes. Bet365 go evens England and 11/10 West Indies.

Personally, this is too much of a lottery for me to get involved but if you have to have a bet, then go for West Indies, who are much better value, to win the first match, at 13/8.

Cambers' Call:
West Indies to win 1st Twenty20 match v West Indies 13/8

Please note that odds are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.

Simon Cambers is Cricinfo's betting correspondent