Why Peter Moores’ second coming spells an England series win

Lancashire wicket-keeper Jos Buttler’s outstanding century-plus knock against Sri Lanka wasn’t enough to book him a Test bow against the same opponents, but there’s plenty of other reasons to believe Peter Moores’ return as England coach will lead to a 1/2 series win for the hosts.

Moores has plenty of unfinished business at Test level with England, who won eight, lost six and drew eight of the 22 matches the Cheshire native took charge for between 2007-09.

A very public spat with then captain Kevin Pietersen saw Moores removed from his position by the ECB four-and-a-half years ago, but the old broom has been tasked with sweeping the decks at England HQ, as he was in his previous incarnation as national coach.

Back in 2007, England were reeling from a 5-0 winter whitewash Down Under, with Moores taking over from the beleaguered Duncan Fletcher ahead of a four-Test home series with the West Indies.

England dominated the Windies, winning the series 3-0 with new wicket-keeper Matt Prior’s unbeaten 126 on debut particularly impressive.

Seven years to the month after being appointed for the first time, Moores once again received the ECB’s call to breathe life back into Alastair Cook’s men, under almost identical Ashes-weary circumstances.

Sri Lanka may have edged the recent ODI series 3-2, but the return of Prior and born-again Yorkshire medium-fast bowler Liam Plunkett will bolster Cook’s men against a side who couldn’t see off lowly Bangladesh in their last Test encounter.

England drew their opening match of Moores’ first Test series in charge against the West Indies before taking the next three, so a 1-0 win at 9/4 over the two-match tussle looks a sensible way to play.

The draw can also be backed at 9/4 in the first clash at Lord’s, with the hosts 8/11 favourites and the visitors available at 9/2.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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