4TH ASHES TEST AT HEADINGLEY BETTING TIPS

The Ashes urn is within Andrew Strauss' clutches, but Andrew Flintoff's fitness is dominating the media build-up in advance of the pivotal 4th test of the 2009 Ashes series. Flintoff looked a bit off in a nets session today and an expanded squad has been named for the upcoming match to provide extra quicks in Ryan Sidebottom and Steve Harmison and a possible debut to specialist batsman Jonathan Trott. Stanjames.com has tilted the odds in favour of a draw which is priced at 2.38. Australia to win the test and tie the series is available at 2.63 while England to win the test, and the Ashes, sits at 3.6. I think a victory is possible here for England and I have a theory that the team with the best bowling performance in the 2nd innings will emerge victorious. I don't think a draw is likely if we have a full 5 days play. You can back England on a draw no bet at 2.25 and Australia are listed at 1.57. Andrew Strauss is listed as England's likeliest prospect to be named top batsman at 4.5 and you'd have to fancy him after he's been leading from the front in pretty much every single test match so far. Alistair Cook and Ravi Bopara are both at 5.0 and that's too short on Bopara in my opinion. Cook seldom outscores Strauss, so I don't see backing him as being a particularly good idea. Ian Bell is at 5.5 while Jonathan Trott sits at 6.0 ahead of 6.5 Paul Collingwood and 7.5 Matt Prior. Ricky Ponting is listed at 4.0 ahead of Simon Katich at 4.5 and Shane Watson and Phil Hughes are both listed at 5.0. You can back Michael Hussey for 5.5 and Michael Clarke for 6.0. James Anderson and Steve Harmison are nearly listed at the same odds to be named top English wicket taker with Anderson at 3.5 and Harmison at 3.75. Flintoff sits at 4.0 ahead of Sidebottom and Onions who are both deadlocked at 4.5. Graeme Swann is at 5.5 while Stuart Broad brings up the rear at 6.5. Mitchell Johnson is somehow listed at the same price as Ben Hilfenhaus and Brett Lee- all sitting at 3.5. Peter Siddle is at 4.5 alongside Stuart Clark. Nathan Hauritz is at 5.0. I'm backing England to take this one for patriotic reasons alone. I think if they can storm out of the gates on the 1st day, possibly batting first, I think they can put together a big enough total to give the Aussies a spot of worry.