England’s ODI summer gets underway in Scotland on Sunday, as Eoin Morgan’s men travel north of the border to take on Kyle Coetzer’s side.
The Three Lions have been on an upward trajectory over the past few years – culminating in them being named the number one ODI team in the world earlier this year.
Our tipster has picked out the best cricket bets to keep an eye out for at the Grange.
England on top of the world
Plenty has changed since England’s last meeting with Scotland at the 2015 World Cup.
Embarrassed and sent home early, that World Cup proved a low-water mark for England in fifty over cricket, and the revolution from captain Morgan has been nothing short of remarkable.
Playing an aggressive and exciting brand of cricket, the Three Lions have swept all before them on their rise to the best team in the world – including emphatic series victories over Australia and New Zealand over the winter.
With the 2019 World Cup on home soil coming up quickly on the horizon, plenty are expecting England to be right amongst the contenders.
With under a year to go, their first ODI assignment of the summer is Scotland – and their first visit since a rain affected victory over their neighbours in 2014.
England may be missing the injured Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes – but this is still a strong squad visiting Edinburgh.
The Three Lions are 1/16 with Grosvenorsport.com to win this one.
Scotland hoping to prove their point
But for an incorrect LBW decision in the World Cup qualifiers, this fixture could be taking place at next year’s cricketing showpiece too.
Scotland were desperately unfortunate to narrowly miss out on a World Cup berth after the West Indies snuck through on the DL method – after Richie Berrington was unfortunately given out when the ball was drifting down the leg side.
While they won’t be at the main event next year, this is an improved Scotland side, who certainly have it in their lockers to surprise anyone.
They beat Zimbabwe in the World Cup qualifiers, and Sri Lanka in a Champions Trophy warm-up last year – and have a talented side that have the potential to give England a bloody nose.
They have never beaten England though, and are firmly underdogs, despite their recent resurgence.
Scotland are 15/2 to take the win here.
Tricky ask to find value
With all respect to Scotland – England should be winning this one very comfortably.
After six series victories in a row, Morgan’s men have mastered the fifty over format – and having named a strong squad, won’t be easing off against their neighbours.
The 1/16 price is very small – meaning punters may need to search around to find any value.
I’m interested in a top batsman market – and after back-to-back centuries at the top of the order for Jonny Bairstow, I like the look of his 11/4 to be England’s top scorer.
The extra pace of Liam Plunkett should worry Scotland too – and after missing the New Zealand leg of the ODI winter, he’ll be fired up to keep his place as well.
The 3/1 for him to be England’s top bowler looks a shrewd selection.
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