England v Pakistan 1st Test Betting Preview

NOTTINGHAM- The first test between England and Pakistan at Trent Bridge may be viewed by some as a dress-rehearsal for this winter`s Ashes series down under, but Pakistan should not be underestimated and there are plenty of interesting betting markets on this one.

Despite Pakistan`s strong performance during their draw in their most recent series against Australia, England are favoured over the tourists with a price of 19/20 (£19 from a £20 bet) with Boylesports. Pakistan can be backed for a strong price of 10/3 with Ladbrokes, which is a fair bet in light of Pakistan`s impressive victory over Australia in the test at Headingly.

A draw is 11/4 with Sportingbet, which may be worth a tipple given the weather forecast that predicts rain for Friday and possibly over the weekend.

In the individual performance markets Pietersen and Strauss are favourites to be England`s top batsman, who are both at 7/2 with Totesport and Sportingbet respectively.  Stuart Broad is a good bet to be England`s top bowler with odds of 3/1 with William Hill, Swann can also be backed for a reasonable 7/2 with the same bookmaker.

Strauss is priced at 10/1 with Bet265, which is a good price for the England skipper who has been enjoying a very good year with England. For Pakistan, Asif is 16/1 with Blue Square to be man of the match and the fast pace bowler known as the `sultan of swing` has the potential to tear England`s batting line up apart.

That talent is reflected in Asif`s odds to be Pakistan`s best bowler of 11/4 with William Hill.

Given the forecast of a bit of rain, a solid bet is for England to win the first innings at 4/7 with Betfred. For England to score 400+ in their first innings is an attractive 6/5 with Betfair.

Potentially a very interesting contest if the weather can stay fair.

England are 1/2 with Blue Square to win the series and Pakistan are 9/2 with Betfair.

England v Pakistan 1st Test Odds

England v Pakistan Series Odds