Vaughan to finish with a flourish?
England captain Michael Vaughan stands on the verge of putting his name in the history books if his side can clinch the Ashes for the first time in 18 years by avoiding defeat against Australia at The Oval this week
| |
|
Click here to bet on the Ashes at bet365
Vaughan's 166 at Old Trafford accelerated the growing confidence that England had built up at Edgbaston and they carried it over to Trent Bridge, where they took a 2-1 lead. And Vaughan could be a good bet to be his side's top scorer in the first innings at the Oval. The right-hander's Test average is more than decent at 44, but his average at the Oval is over the 60 mark, which is truly outstanding. The good pitches at the Oval are clearly to his liking and he may be reasonable value at 4/1 (5.00) to come out on top.
Marcus Trescothick tops the market at 7/2 (4.50), while Andrew Strauss, his opening partner, is also 4/1 (5.00). Kevin Pietersen, who may be due another big innings, is 5/1 (6.00), while Andrew Flintoff is the same price. Ian Bell is a 13/2 (7.50) shot, while Paul Collingwood, who could come in for the injured Simon Jones, is the same price, and wicket-keeper Geraint Jones is available at 12/1 (13.00).
Ponting and Langer share favouritism
Justin Langer has flattered to deceive in this series. In almost each innings, he has looked in good touch and made a good start but then failed to capitalise by making a really big score. Yet the left-handed opener is joint-favourite at 4/1 (5.00) to be his side's top scorer in the first innings.
His captain, Ricky Ponting, is also 4/1 (5.00) and the way he has come good when it mattered in this series makes him a more attractive betting proposition. Langer made an unbeaten century in his only innings at the Oval, while Ponting averages 40 in his two Tests there, well below his overall average of 55.
Damien Martyn, another to flatter without really delivering, is a 5/1 (6.00) chance, as is Matthew Hayden, who has struggled in Tests but who has hit form in the warm-up games between Trent Bridge and the Oval. Michael Clarke, who has shown real class, is an 11/2 (6.50) shot, Simon Katich is 13/2 (7.50), Brad Hodge is 7/1 (8.00) and Adam Gilchrist, the most disappointing of all the Australia batsmen, is 15/2 (8.50).
Please note that odds are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.
Simon Cambers is Cricinfo's new betting correspondent
Read in App
Elevate your reading experience on ESPNcricinfo App.