Double value during Pakistan v England

Kevin Pietersen will need to forget his Ashes heroics and focus on occupation of the crease if he is to make a big impression in Pakistan © Getty Images

Can England continue their impressive Ashes form against Pakistan? If you're thinking about having a punt on the series, it's well worth taking a look at the spread betting markets at Sporting Index. They're offering all new clients £100 cash** as well as a refund on your first losing bet**.

To get you thinking, here are our thoughts on the first Test.

England's disappointing performances in the run up to the first Test should be largely disregarded, because the pitch at Multan plays very differently to the grassy wickets used for the warm up games. With an average of just three runs per over expected, England's batsmen (Pietersen and Flintoff in particular) will have to show more discipline at the crease than they did during the Ashes. Sporting Index are predicting 205 to 220 runs for Pietersen during this series, and it's worth remembering that during the last tour of Pakistan, only Hussain, Hick and Stewart scored more than 100 series runs.

With a higher quality of pace bowler to choose from, England could have a slight edge during the first innings of the each Test. However, Danish Kaneria and Pakistan's other spin bowlers should redress the balance during the second innings. England will need Giles in top form if they are to be a serious threat. He took 19 wickets during the last tour of Pakistan, and should be England's danger man again. With heavy dew on the pitch until late morning, and early sunsets expected in Northern Pakistan, both teams could struggle to reach 80 overs per day. Sporting Index have made neither side favourite going into the first Test, so a draw could be the most likely result.

Free £100 Cash for New Clients
If you haven't got a Sporting Index account yet, it's a good time to take advantage of the £100 cash offer. Simply open a Sporting Index account* and place five sports bets, where each bet could win or lose you £20, and you can claim a free £100 straight into your account**.

In addition, Sporting Index will also refund your losses (up to £50) if your first bet is a loser!**

Two Pakistan v England Promotions for All Clients
Sporting Index are running two promotions on every Test in the series, and you don't have to stay up until 4.30am to take advantage...

1) Buy (bet 'high' on) a batsman's Total Test Runs, and they'll add 10 runs onto his final total if he is the highest scorer of the match.**
2) Buy (bet 'high' on) a batsman's Innings Runs at any time, and if he's run out, they'll refund your losses.**