Strauss and Ponting head series spreads
Sporting Index have an extensive list of player markets for the Ashes series, with Andrew Strauss and Ricky Ponting tipped to come out on top in the runscorer lists
Simon Cambers
20-Jul-2005
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Sporting Index have an extensive list of player markets for the Ashes series, with Andrew Strauss and Ricky Ponting tipped to come out on top in the runscorer lists.
Strauss, whose average of 55 is the best in the England line-up, is given a spread of 355-370 over the five-match series. If, as the bookies expect, Australia dominate the series all the England batsmen should bat twice in each match, while the openers should bat twice anyway.
Captain Michael Vaughan, who enjoyed his best series for England in the 2002/03 series in Australia, is next in their market at 350-370. The skipper's form suffered a dip but he looks back in form and will relish the challenge presented by the world's best side.
Strauss's fellow opener, Marcus Trescothick is next, at 340-360, but I have my doubts at the left-hander when it comes to seeing off the Australia attack, in particular Glenn McGrath, who will not give him the room he enjoys outside off stump. Andrew Flintoff and Kevin Pietersen, the two most destructive batsmen in the England line-up, are both rated at 305-325, while Ian Bell is 300-320.
For Australia captain Ricky Ponting, along with Adam Gilchrist their most aggressive batsman, is favourite to top-score, given a 400-420 price. With a phenomenal average of 56.50, it's not hard to see why.
Openers Justin Langer and Matthew Hayden are next. Langer, who is bang in form despite a late arrival on tour, is priced a 390-410, while Hayden, probably the only Australia player not in top form, is 385-405. Damien Martyn, tipped as a potential top-scorer in the fixed odds betting, is priced at 380-400, while Gilchrist is 300-320 and the talented Michael Clarke is 295-315.
In their bowling markets, Sporting make Steve Harmison favourite at 200-220, with 10 points per wicket and a 25-point bonus per wicket. Matthew Hoggard is 165-185 while Fintoff is 155-175. Flintoff is also the subject of a performance market where one point is awarded per run scored, 10 per catch and 20 per wicket taken. He's 610-640.
As for Australia's bowlers, Shane Warne is 245-265 while Glenn McGrath is 240-260 and Brett Lee is 200-220. Gilchrist is 520-550 in the performance market, which also gives 25 points per stumping.
Please note that odds are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.
Simon Cambers is Cricinfo's new betting correspondent