mvaughan

England go into the fourth and final Test looking for a series clean sweep. With fortunes unlikely to improve for the beleaguered tourists, Michael Vaughan expects another victory for Andrew Strauss' men.


England were absolutely devastating in their third Test victory over India and, with the fourth Test set to get under way on Thursday, the tourists will be feeling thoroughly demoralised.

England have the momentum, the depth and ability to make it a 4-0 clean sweep series win and, at a generous 2.64, I will certainly be backing them to do so. If the clouds are out above the Oval, which they may be on day one, then the ball could seam and swing but I struggle to see 20 wickets in this Indian attack.

Saying that, I do anticipate a longer game this time. India's batsman have to fire at some point, Dhoni is back in form and this could be the ideal pitch for him to make hay on. It's impossible to say whether Virender Sehwag is in form or not because we only saw him face two balls at Edgbaston. I know who I will be backing to be top Indian batsman this time - the Little Master himself, Sachin Tendulkar. He will be very disappointed if he emerges from this series without a big score and he's more than capable of thriving at the Oval.

The south London pitch is the best place to bat in the country, a batters' paradise. If I was in that England line-up, I'd be dreaming of runs tonight, knowing that at least one of my team was destined for a big innings. It's a lovely track, the perfect place to drive the ball down the ground but, really, all the shots are available to you. With the Indian attack there for the taking, Kevin Pietersen 5.1 and Ian Bell 5.6 registering big scores there in the past and Alastair Cook 4.7 in superb form, it really could be any of English top five who emerges as top batsman.

I'm reluctant to pick anyone out for this bet so I recommend that you back-to-lay Andrew Strauss. Yes, he was hard done by at Edgbaston and yes, I'd be delighted if he scored a ton in this series, but he got out in the third Test playing a daft shot. So, back Strauss at 5.4, watch the odds narrow as he makes his signature solid start and then lay him off when he reaches his 50.

It's been a terrific summer for the world's number one international cricket team and, with everything going for them at present, I can't see beyond another home win. Back them to wrap it up on Day Five - Afternoon at 4.7 in the Test match end market.


Recommended Bets

Back England @ 2.64
Back Day Five - Afternoon @ 4.7 in the Test match end market
Back-to-lay Andrew Strauss @ 5.1 to be Top England First Innings Batsman.


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