THE EDGE: Our cricket tipster The Edge previews the Fifth Test between ENGLAND V INDIA with a recommended BETDAQ bet.
MATCH OVERVIEW:
On the 10th of September 2021, we were all start for a fantastic Fifth Test between England and India at Old Trafford. Then, after an outbreak of Covid19 and the worries of the knock on effect to the then delayed IPL, India pulled up stumps and left England. It was an “unusual” situation – India lead the series 2-1 and it was always going to be an unsatisfactory situation if they claimed a series win. The first reaction was India would be forfeiting the Test, but obviously the BCCI weren’t happy with that either. The only thing left was to postpone the Fifth Test to now before the one day tour. Although this is the end of “the series” it definitely feels like a once off Test!
Test cricket between England and India is always enjoyable, and this should be no different on the Betdaq Betting Exchange. England come into the game as clear favourites after a very impressive series win over New Zealand. It will be fascinating to see can they be as attacking against this top class Indian side. And it will also be fascinating to see can the Indian bowlers deal with the attacking middle order from England? The big debate at the moment is will England start odds on, and I feel that they might push it to odds on before the off – they are currently trading 2.04. The forecast is pretty OK, there are showers but that also brings movement with the ball too which is good for a result, and given the way England plan on playing their Test cricket at the moment I would be very surprised if there was a draw; especially given the good forecast.
Covid-19 brought us here, and it is still troubling India. Rohit Sharma tested positive and is a doubt for India heading into this Test – losing a massive player like him would obviously be a huge blow – especially because he has the talent to bat quickly and fight fire with fire against this England side. We’re all set for a fantastic Test match though – you get the feeling this England side under Brendon McCullum won’t be dull and we should have a cracker!
WEATHER AND PITCH WATCH:
The biggest change in the schedule was moving from Old Trafford to Edgbaston. India will have a huge support in Birmingham, and it might even feel like a home Test for them ground wise. Edgbaston has been a result venue in recent years, with only three draws from the last 19 Tests going back to 1999. The last six Tests have had results in very recent times, and this is generally a Test ground when things happen “fast” – runs come fast and we can get wickets quickly too. All that goes against the draw to be honest, and I would be very surprised if we didn’t get a winner. There are some showers around for the first three days so keep an eye on the radar – as I said above, these clouds will probably bring wicket taking conditions and move the game along.
RECOMMENDED BET:
As I said above, I would be very surprised to see a draw here so I am happy to enjoy the value that brings. The draw is trading 4.5, but I don’t think it’s a runner. The only way I feel it
trades a lot shorter is if India bat first and take time out of the game. I can see England attacking and putting a lot of time into the game with the way they are batting. It’s a clear tactic now after seeing the New Zealand series and I can’t see them going back – it’s almost like they have changed the way they view Test cricket. When Eoin Morgan, who retired this week, did that with the ODI side they won a World Cup! India are a very impressive side, but this England side are going to put them under immense pressure and I feel that the home win should be odds on – the 2.04 looks a shade of value in what should be a brilliant Test.
The Edge Says:
Two points win England to beat India at 2.04 with Betdaq Exchange.
View the market here -> https://betdaq.biz/EngInd
IN-RUNNING STRATEGY:
For the first three days, I would keep an eye on the radar. There are showers forecast, and that will have an impact on the draw price. As I said above, clouds here bring wicket taking conditions so just don’t back the draw if you see rain coming – that’s usually when the wicket falls! After that I was very impressed by the England middle order against New Zealand and I would be very happy to support them with the bat – except for the openers who I am not sure on. I don’t have a huge opinion on the Indian batters, and I would just focus on the overhead conditions when they bat – if it’s sunny they will do well and if it’s cloudy I wouldn’t trust them in swinging conditions.
