Home  »     »   Prior 5/1 to be England’s World Cup top runscorer after call up

Prior 5/1 to be England’s World Cup top runscorer after call up

| 19.01.2011

Matt Prior’s return to the one-day fold could make him a great World Cup bet to be England’s top scorer in the tournament as he is likely to open the batting.

Prior was the big surprise inclusion in England’s 15-man party to travel to India as he was named as the only wicket keeper at the expense of Steven Davies.

The Sussex star has not featured in a one-day game for England for over a year since playing against Bangladesh, but his impressive performances in the Ashes Test arena convinced the selectors that he is worthy of another shot.

With Davies having been utilised as an opener alongside Andrew Strauss, it is expected that Prior will come in as a straight swap, although there is the alternative to promote Ian Bell up the order as he opens for England in T20 cricket.

Prior opening should ensure that he bats in every England innings at the World Cup and this makes him decent value at 5/1 to be the team’s top runscorer.

Meanwhile, England are 5/1 to win the World Cup, but first they must be one of the four teams to reach the quarter finals from Group B.

England’s betting odds are 5/2 to win Group B, with the hosts and South Africa likely to present the stiffest challenge.

Up first for England is a trip to Nagpur to face the Netherlands, with 10/1 to repeat the century he struck in his final innings of the Ashes in the fifth Test against Australia.

Those expecting Prior to really shine may also want to take advantage of the 50/1 on offer that he is the whole tournament’s top runscorer.

The other nations in Group B are the West Indies, Bangladesh and Ireland.

A £25 stake on South Africa winning the World Cup would return £125. New customers can sign up here for a free £25 bet.

»

Author

Craig Kemp

Craig has written for Ladbrokes since the 2010 World Cup, having previously gained a Media & Sports Journalism degree and contributed to publications including the Racing Post. His main areas of interest are horse racing and UFC, but he is also an avid X Factor gambler and likes nothing more than indulging in a spot of Hip Hop Karaoke.