Pietersen cut but Bell lurking

Only four runs separate Kevin Pietersen from Ian Bell at the top of the England runscorers in the series against South Africa, but the new England captain is the odds-on favourite to finish on top.

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Now I know I have already outlined just why I expect Pietersen to go well on his debut as captain in the final Test at the Oval, starting on Thursday, and I stand by that. But in a race that is so close, Bell, who is 6/5, may just be a shade better value than Pietersen at 8/11.

Both men have been playing well, of course, and at his best, Pietersen is the best player in the side. Not only that, he averages 68 at the Oval and has made 410 runs there in three Tests. It is a great batting pitch and given good conditions, another hundred is a distinct possibility.

Bell, by contrast, averages just 36 at the Oval, but he has been in good form in this series, after a bad run, and knows that another good score will secure his place in the squad for the winter series.

Behind them, Alastair Cook, who has 223 to Pietersen's 308, is 8/1, while Andrew Strauss, who has just 116 runs to his name, is a ludicrously short price at 33/1. Paul Collingwood, 30 runs better off, is 50/1.

Cambers' Call - already advised
Kevin Pietersen to be top England runscorer in the series v South Africa - 9/4 bet365

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