England embarks on another vital World Cup match when taking on West Indies at The Ageas Bowl in Southampton on Friday afternoon. The coin toss is expected at 10.30am and you can follow the play live on Sky Sports. Keep pace with every run, ball and controversial moment while being guided through the day by expert commentary. Here are our top England v West Indies betting tips.
It sounds a near-perfect scenario. That’s he only thing that could make major international cricket on a beautiful summer’s day any better is a winning bet on the action. Bookmakers offer exciting markets on the match, including the winner, top England batsman, top bowler, the West Indies player to score most runs and the man to take most wickets.
Pick through the specials and take a market that best suits your needs. When the game is live you can also bet in-play using a betting app, available with the likes of bet365. Download to your phone and make your play when on the move.
England Looking to Bounce Back
England began their World Cup on Thursday 30 May with a hard-fought win over a talented South Africa side. The scoreboard read England 311-8 (50.0) against South Africa’s 207-all out (39.5). The perfect way to get off the mark and it was a result that helped boost confidence in the stands. The fact England opened the show with a win without ever hitting top gear showed exactly what we could expect from the hosts as they aim to win the title in front of their own fans.
Jofra Archer had impressed during the warm-up phase of preparations and thanked selectors by giving him a start with a fine performance. The youngster lit up the day, took 3-27 in what was only his fourth one day international. He has a big future ahead of him in all forms of cricket and its great to see this England side are giving fresh faces a chance to shine. It was a gamble, despite his recent form, but one that paid off for the team. There’s plenty more to come from him this summer, we’re sure of that.
With team-morale high, England then faced Pakistan in their second outing, but they crashed back to earth with a bump when suffering a 14-run defeat in a match they were expected to win without too much fuss. England scored 334-9 (50.0) but that wasn’t enough to see off an opponent who arrived in a menacing mood, smashing their way to a jaw-dropping 348-8 (50.0). It was a stunning afternoon of cricket and although England lost the match, their fans were treated to a thoroughly entertaining contest involving two of the sport’s big guns.
Back on Track
A quick-fire return to winning ways was a must following a mixed start to their campaign and, thankfully for the home team, they bounced back at the first time of asking. England battered a capable Bangladesh by 106 runs, the tallies settled at 386-6 (50.0) against 280 all out (48.5). Just what the doctor ordered and everyone in the dressing room breathed a sigh of relief, knowing back-to-back defeats would’ve stuck a pin in their chances.
The victors had Jason Roy to thank for a huge performance during that win, although it did go down as a strong display from the team. Roy scored 153 in an incredible outing, which came as no surprise to those who had followed the star’s form as he had been threatening a blow out for a few weeks now. It came at exactly the right time and helped soothe the wounds of that defeat to Pakistan. Their bid to win the trophy for the first time is now firmly back on track.
Speaking to the press at the conclusion of that match we heard England captain Eoin Morgan say his side, particularly Roy, were outstanding on the day. Every player knew what was expected of them and they delivered when the pressure was on. Labelling Roy an intimidating player to line-up against, the skipper gave his match-winner the credit he deserved, although he was quick to mention the contribution of the bowlers who chipped in with a big effort.
Archer Looks an Ace Play
Will England do what they have been unable to in their three attempts to date and win two matches in-a-row? It would certainly help drive their progress, but we have seen already this summer that nothing can be taken for granted. There are no easy games at this World Cup and England will have to be on top of their game if they are to deliver the performance and result fans expect. This is a crucial match that could determine how far England go at the World Cup.
Bookmakers are confident the locals have what it takes to deliver on Friday and have priced England as favourites for the win, with Ladbrokes offering 1/3. That’s tight, but it’s also the general feeling in the betting ring at present. West Indies can be backed to spoil the show at a chunky 5/2 with the same firm. Those looking for an interest at a bigger price may want to risk their cash on Jofra Archer being top England bowler at 3/1, top price with William Hill. He’s favourite in a market that includes Adil Rashid at 7/2 (Unibet) and Tom Curran 4/1 (Ladbrokes).
Who will score the runs needed to push England to victory? Traders throw the weight of their support behind Joe Root who is a market best price 3/1 with Ladbrokes, ahead of Jason Roy at 10/3 with the same firm. The latter looks a better bet and is sure to attract the attention of value hunters. England to score the highest first 15 overs is 8/15 when getting your stake money down at William Hill. That bet will give you an early interest.