General

Winner takes all in St Lucia

England and Andrew Strauss surprised a few people with a decent effort in the fourth one-day international as they levelled the series at 2-2. Now the two teams meet in St Lucia on Friday for series honours



Chris Gayle and West Indies should be able to win the final match on Thursday © Getty Images

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England and Andrew Strauss surprised a few people with a decent effort in the fourth one-day international as they levelled the series at 2-2. Now the two teams meet in St Lucia on Friday for series honours.

Click here to bet on West Indies v England at bet365

The prospect of a strike by West Indies over pay appears to be dimishing by the day, so if we assume that the match will go ahead, then we have to work out whether West Indies can concentrate enough to see off an England side who, despite having levelled the series, still want to just get on the first plane home.

For me, nothing has changed. Neither side are remotely reliable but West Indies are slightly better. In addition, they have home advantage and probably want it more than England, regardless of any win-bonuses that may be on offer.

If England bat first, I would be even more convinced in my feelings that West Indies will win, because over the past 10 years, they have only won a third of one-day matches when trying to set a target.

Bet365 make the home side 4/5 to win the match, with England even money.

I'll have a more detailed preview in the next day or so, but until then, I would suggest backing the West Indies as soon as possible.

Cambers' Call
West Indies to beat England in 5th ODI - 4/5 bet365

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

Simon Cambers is Cricinfo's betting correspondent