England to wrap up Australia series assuming rain stays away
Published:England are on the charge for what would be a record ninth successive one-day victory and it may be the weather rather than Australia that prevent them reaching this landmark at Edgbaston.
If the rain does not scupper the third encounter of the series, England are 10/11 in the cricket odds to secure victory and this looks big value with the two teams identically priced.
England have stood out in every department in the opening two matches of the five-game series, with at least one of the top-order batsman contributing a big score and the bowlers doing their bit to restrict the opposition.
The major decision for England as they chase series victory with two matches to spare is whether to risk James Anderson’s troublesome groin.
Although the injury is said to be improving, Anderson has done little bowling in the nets and so Chris Woakes is expected to make his first England ODI appearance on home soil on what is his home ground.
In Australia’s favour is that there record at Edgbaston is reasonably good, winning on three of their last eight visits, with one of the others also a no result.
A good day with the ball is likely to be needed if they are to keep the series alive, with spinner Xavier Doherty in particular in need of a confidence-boosting game after being targeted by the England batsmen previously.
Meanwhile, there is a decision to be made over Mitchell Johnson, who was erratic in the last game in the opening overs when Australia most needed control.
Brett Lee is certain to play and requires just a single wicket to overhaul Glenn McGrath as Australia’s all-time leading wicket taker in one-day internationals.
It is 5/6 that Lee takes a minimum of two wickets and 16/1 that he has such an impact on the result that he is handed the man of the match award.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
