England have to be fancied at 10/11 to complete ODI series success
Published:England’s revival after the 3-0 Test series whitewash inflicted by Pakistan continued on Wednesday with a second one-day victory over their conquerors, yet they are a tasty 10/11 to wrap up the series with another win on Saturday…
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Before heading over to the United Arab Emirates, most expected the one-day series with Pakistan to cause far more problems that the trio of Test matches, especially after suffering a 5-0 hammering in India last October.
However, typically, the opposite has proven to be true, with England recovering from their shock 3-0 Test series reverse admirably to claim the first two wins of a four-match series. Having done so, they have to be fancied to complete a hat-trick at 10/11.
This third encounter sees England return to Dubai, where they were humbled twice in Test action, but with confidence restored, that should encourage motivation rather than fear.
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After scoring centuries in each of the first two ODIs, England captain Alastair Cook is a tempting 2/1 to fire off at least 50 runs on this occasion, while 8/11 on him achieving four or more fours appeals after he hit double figures in the first two.
The 27-year-old earned the man of the match honour after both of those displays and is 9/1 to take the prize again in Dubai.
It might be time for a bowler to receive the acclaim though and after taking four wickets in each of the showdowns to date, Steven Finn is an intriguing candidate at 14/1.
Meanwhile, out-of-form Kevin Pietersen has stated his desire to use opening partner Cook’s purple patch to help him get back on track, having admitted his frustration at a run that has seen him post just one half-century in his last 11 ODI innings.
The big-hitting Surrey star is 5/2 to score over 50 on Saturday.
