Vaughan cut for batting markets

Michael Vaughan showed his class in the first innings at Old Trafford © Getty Images

The fabulous and timely return to form of Michael Vaughan at Old Trafford not only lifted the England side even more but the skipper has been slashed in the markets to be top batsman in the five-match series. Languishing down the betting at 28/1 (29.00) after scoring 32 runs in two matches, his 166 in the first innings has seen his price slashed to just 7/1 (8.00) to come out on top after the final two Tests.

Click here to bet on the Ashes at bet365

Confidence is a great thing and though Vaughan rode his luck, he could make Australia pay with some more top performances at Trent Bridge and the Oval - with this in mind, 7/1 is a decent price. He may be fifth overall, but it would only take another century to put him right up there.

Not surprisingly, Ricky Ponting tops the market after his superb hundred which went a long way to saving Australia on the final day. The Aussie skipper has 12 more runs than England opener Marcus Trescothick and he's now 5/2 (3.50). Trescothick is a 7/2 (4.50) chance, while Justin Langer, lurking 74 runs behind but with the benefit of being an opener and probably getting two cracks at it in both matches, is next at 13/2 (7.50).

Kevin Pietersen, who was a 3/1 (4.00) favourite after the second Test, didn't have a great time with the bat at Old Trafford and has dropped back in the betting to 15/2 (8.50). Michael Clarke, who's scored the fourth most runs so far, is 11/1 (12.00); Andrew Strauss, fresh from his hundred in the second innings, is 12/1 (13.00) and Flintoff, who is capable of anything, is 14/1 (15.00).

Remember, of the past six Ashes series, five of the top runscorers have been opening batsmen.

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

Read in App

Elevate your reading experience on ESPNcricinfo App.

Download App Now