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Normally when a team from Asia arrives in England for a Test tour it is easy to write them off. They won't like the cold weather, the green pitches, the swing bowling, etcetera. It is a tried and trusted method. Except when India are in town.

They have bucked that particular trend on their last two visits: drawing 1-1 in 2007 and pulling off a spectacular, and richly-deserved, 1-0 victory in 2007. Make no mistake, England are in for a strenuous examination of their credentials when the series begins at Lord's next Thursday.

If England claim the series by a two-Test margin or better they will usurp India as the best side in the world, leaping from their current No 3 spot. And it is tempting to suggest that, with both sides boasting fine recent records - England have won their last five series, India have not lost since 2008 - that something has got to give.

But, of course, it does not. The four-Test series could end in a cosy draw. The stalemate over the series is the most tempting option for the bettor because a study of the two sides reveal they are well-matched in the department which counts most: wicket-taking.

India boast Zaheer Khan, who took 18 wickets last time with his devilish left-arm bend, and he should be well supported by the admirable Praveen Kumar, who will enjoy swinging conditions. Spinner Harbhajan Singh, despite poor recent form, has a good record against England. When India won in 2007, they did so thanks to a solitary win at Trent Bridge, the venue for the second Test, when they outbowled England in helpful conditions.

As for the home side, they will pin their hopes on their hit-the-deck bowlers, perhaps recognising that Messrs Tendulkar, Dravid and Laxman (Virender Sehwag should be fit gor game three) are wise to the two-card seam and swing trick. Chris Tremlett's pace and bounce augments James Anderson while Graeme Swann is the most dangerous England spinner the Indians have faced for years.

Indeed Tremlett gave India the hurry up four years ago, claiming 13 wickets at 29 just behind Anderson on 14. The beanpole bowler is an early shout for top England series wicket-taker.

The draw price is the outsider of the three outcomes at 3.40 but it is a bad one. If we think rationally about the possibility of either of these sides being unable to triumph, we come to the conclusion that over a four-Test series a 1-1 scoreline is far more likely than a 0-0 bore draw (Edgbaston and Trent Bridge are result wickets). So anyone taking the 3.40 instead of the 6.00 about 1-1 would be making a terrible error.

Draws at Lord's - it is still a featherbed as Sri Lanka proved earlier this summer - and The Oval, where no result was possible when the teams met in 2002 and 2007, cannot be ruled out.

We still expect a fast start from England, although that may just be an illusion because India have a habit of beginning sluggishly on the road. They have only one warm-up game following a tour to West Indies and getting England in the book at 2.44 could pay dividends.

Of their last 12 away series, India have failed to win the first Test on eight occasions. Yet in an example of how they stagger to their feet and fight back, MS Dhoni's charges have gone on to lose only four rubbers.

For those playing the correct score market, it could be argued that in a tight series, which we expect to be high on quality, backing 2-1 wins for both teams is smart. That is a fair strategy. England are 7.0 with India 9.0.

Best Bet
1-1 series correct score @ 6.0

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