2009 ASHES 3RD TEST AT EDGBASTON FAVOURED FOR A DRAW

The bookies have placed the draw as the most likely outcome for the 3rd Ashes Test at Edgbaston. 11/10 is the current price at William Hill compared to the Aussies at 7/4 and England, who remain at a tidy 3/1. England were 4/1 to win the last test and I have a feeling that the Barmy Army will be out in full force in the Birmingham test and the 12th man could propel England to victory in a venue that has seen an exciting test or two in recent years. England can also be backed at 5/4 on a draw no bet which is a lot better than the double chance market of 2/5 for England or the Draw. Australia are the slim favourites to hold a first innings lead, but if they bat anywhere close to their performance at Lord's, then I'd say pounce all over England at 10/11. I think the power in the English order is in the opening pair of Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook who combined for a nearly 200 run stand in a few quickfire overs on Day 1 of Test 2. This probably explains why England hold the slim advantage for the Highest Opening Partnership betting at 4/5 compared to Australia's 10/11. Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook are at 3/1 and 10/3 to be named England's top batsman for the 1st innings. I think Strauss is the one to pick here and he'll be looking to build on his performance in the last test. I think he was a bit more at home on the Lord's pitch and he knows that wicket inside and out. I think he'll get off to a solid start at Edgbaston, but I have a feeling that the Aussies will bat first here. That's just the feeling I get at this point. Bopara is well-underpriced at 9/2 for top batsman (if he doesn't perform with the bat, this will likely be his last Ashes test this year) while Ian Bell has a lot to prove and could be a very nice tip at 5/1 should Strauss fall a bit short of 100. Bell knows he's playing for his inclusion in the rest of the series and will need to seize the opportunity. Paul Collingwood is at 7/1 while Matt Prior is a solid bet at 9/1. James Anderson is favoured to be England's top bowler with a slim 2/1 listing against Andrew Flintoff at 3/1. Graeme Swann could take a bagful of wickets if he finds enough turn on this pitch and his 4/1 price is a solid bet. Graham Onions is at 5/1 alongside Stuart Broad. Should Steve Harmison be named for this test, he'll be sitting at 4/1.