Root to stay cool for England at 9/2

England have sunk to their lowest ebb for many years with Graeme Swann joining Jonathan Trott back in Blighty and a fragile squad forced to try and keep the Aussies at bay in front of 90,000 fans at the MCG. The most likely men to succeed given the circumstances are those not weathered by past campaigns or dressing room relationships.

Step forward Joe Root who should go very well at 9/2 to be England's top runscorer in the first innings in Melbourne. There has been evidence of his cool demeanour already in this series and he has shown the ability to bat for long periods to wear the Australians down. It was another young buck, Ben Stokes, that proved most successful in Perth and Root can flourish at the "G" on a slower wicket which should suit him.

Out in South Africa, Durban is the venue for the second Test where the hosts have an extremely poor recent record - so poor, the Boxing Day Test was taken away from Kingsmead last year. India got themselves into a winning position in the first Test, proving they can compete and suggesting 11/2 for them to win in Durban is overpriced.