England step up their World Cup preparation this week by facing off against neighbours Ireland.
While the ECB have had to deal with the fallout from Alex Hales’ dismissal from the squad, and the conversation surrounding fast-bowling phenom Jofra Archer, this fixture gives the players the chance to firmly control the narrative and prove to everyone why England are number one in the world rankings.
Our cricket expert guides you through the best bets from the ODI between the two teams.
Explosive England will eye big total
In terms of pre-match expectations, it should be a formality for England. At 1/14, Eoin Morgan’s squad should comfortably dispatch the Irish.
With a formidable fast-bowling attack supplemented by an explosive batting line-up, England could pile up the runs in a big way. A century to be scored in the match is just 4/6 with Grosvenorsport.com, which represents good value.
Vince and Willey eye World Cup spots
With plenty of players looking to stake World Cup claims, expect a number of good performances.
The aforementioned Archer is 8/11 to take the most wickets, while fellow paceman David Willey is 4/5. Expect one of these two, most likely Archer, to destroy stumps for fun.
James Vince returns to the England side, and has a huge opportunity to stake a big claim for Hales’ vacant spot. His struggles in the international format of the game have been well documented, but his form at county level is undeniably excellent.
Vince is 4/1 to be England’s top scorer, and 11/8 to hit a half century. The Hampshire man needs a big game, and this could be his best chance before the World Cup.
Archer holds the key
When it comes to the Man of the Match award, it is always hard to predict. If England bat first, I expect it to be Vince, and if England bowl first, one of the pace bowlers will surely be in with a shout.
It would be a bold man to expect Archer to be overwhelmed by the occasion, and the seamer will ensure he delivers on his international debut in order to give himself the best possible opportunity of securing a spot in England’s World Cup squad. Archer to be MOTM is 12/1 with Grosvenorsport.com.
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