Posts Tagged test cricket
Overreaction to Aussie supremacy?
Having taken a look at the stats in preparation for the fourth Ashes Test down under, one of the things that has really stood out is that there has not been a draw at the MCG since 1997. In that period there have been 10 Australian victories and England were beaten by an innings and 99 runs the last time the sides clashed.
There’s no denying that the Baggy Greens have an excellent record at the MCG, but traders should remember that the Aussies are a shadow of the team they were last time England visited the imposing venue.
Other than the batting collapse in Perth, England have been the dominant side in the series and their price – they were available at 3.25 on Betdaq at time of writing - looks longer than it should be for this pivotal contest. Unlike the pitch in Perth, the MCG track will help negate the pace attack from the Aussies while also allowing spinner Graeme Swann to have a say in the result, something he was largely denied last time.
Overall England look the better value to win the Boxing Day clash and that of course would mean a British return for the urn. I would certainly expect England’s price come in a fair bit towards the middle of the contest.
Trade the Ashes to Adelaide…
Australia enter the second Ashes Test under intense pressure after being humiliated by England, who managed to turn around the first Test in Brisbane last week.
The Adelaide Oval, venue for the Second Test, was once famous for throwing up frequent draws, although there have only been three here since 1991.
If anyone’s considering laying the draw on Betfair or Betdaq (currently trading at 2.06), I wouldn’t disagree with them, despite Australia seemingly lacking a convincingly reliable wicket taker and cooler weather forecast which will probably not help the pitch to break up. However, I will point out the potential benefits of backing now before laying off after day one.
The Oval track is undoubtedly a batsman’s pitch and we are likely to see some big totals on the first couple of days. If the batting team have racked up a hefty score without the loss of too many wickets, the price for a draw is sure to shorten to odds-on, at which point you can lay off to lock in a profit.
Arrest over test cricket ‘betting scam’
Posted by Peter Webb in Bet Angel on August 29th, 2010
Another story in the press this morning about another alleged betting scam.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11122388
The News of World appear to really savour these stories, perhaps will a little too much vigour? But there is no doubt that sport should be played for the right reasons and any corruption should definitely be rooted out. If you are in any doubt as to why gambling has a sullied reputation, its stories like these that produce it. Let’s hope that publicity like this will make any corrupt sportsman think twice before even thinking anything like this could be deemed acceptable behaviour.