Betting Tips for the Third Test

July 29, 2008 - Lawrence Foley There is an old saying about sticking to what you know, and after the humiliating 10 wicket defeat to South Africa and the ignominious selection of Darren Pattinson, that is exactly what England coach Peter Moores appeared to be doing by recalling Steve Harmison.  Despite this high profile recall, which smacked a little of desperation on the part of the England selectors, there is no place in tomorrow's side for Harmy and instead Ryan Sidebottom returns.  One old favourite who will be returning to test match action is one day captain Paul Collingwood, who replaces the unlucky Stuart Broad.  Broad has excelled with the bat so far in this series, and whilst he has struggled to take wickets it is difficult to see how Collingwood can add anything extra to the bowling attack.

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South Africa have had their own selection problems and having lost Dale Steyn to a broken thumb the mercurial Andre Nel will be called upon to deputise.  Nel has faced England only once in test cricket, taking six wickets in the first innings of a draw at Centurion back in 2005.  He will be keen to put in another good performance at Edgbaston and keep his place for the fourth and final test match at the Oval.
Captain Graeme Smith is also an injury concern having missed practice today with a back strain.  Losing him would be a big blow, but he should recover in time to add to his 162 runs in the series so far.  The last time he played on this ground he scored 362 runs, with a magnificent 277 in the first innings; take Canbet's 7/2 about him being South Africa's top batsman.

Anything less than an England victory would end their own hopes of winning the series, whilst if South Africa win the match they will secure the series for themselves.  England can draw hope from the fact that they haven't lost at Edgbaston since 2001, winning three of their last four matches on the ground in the process.  As always the weather forecast looks a little worrying, but I think England have a decent chance of taking victory here and the 7/2 available is too tempting to ignore.
 
Recommendations:
England to win – 7/2 (Betfair)
Graeme Smith top South Africa batsman – 7/2 (Canbet)

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