ASHES 2ND TEST BETTING TIPS

As James Anderson and Monty Panesar (it had to be him) left the crease to a patriotic roar after a 90 minute war of attrition yesterday, the nation was reminded of the importance of test cricket. England certainly bailed themselves out of a tepid performance with Collingwood spearheading the lower order to virtually save the test and quite possibly the series. The Ashes, so to speak, is burning with a brighter spark than we anticipated. William Hill has placed their money-line around a draw listed at 6/5. Ricky Pontings' Australia are 8/5 to take the victory while England pay out at an enticing 3/1. The 2nd test begins this Thursday at Lord's and Steve Harmison has been drafted back into the side and he will be looking to solidify his reputation as the Australian's bogey batsman after Andrew Flintoff was withdrawn with a sore knee. Harmison is the in-form batsman and I wouldn't be surprised to see Graham Onions get the nod ahead of Stuart Broad on occasion. The English side only managed to take 6 wickets in nearly 200 overs, they are in need of a strike bowler and clearly they see the in-form Harmison as the ideal selection. I expect him to be headhunting Ricky Ponting all day. Australia are odds-on to secure a first-innings lead with an 8/13 pricetag. England are 6/5 and the draw is a very long 50/1. The Aussies just get the nod for highest opening partnership with a 4/5 price compared to England's 10/11. Kevin Pietersen is the favourite to be named England's top batsman for the 2nd test with a 10/3 price. Andrew Strauss knows he'll have to improve and he will need a century to start the match off properly. He's at 4/1 with Alastair Cook at 9/2. Ravi Bopara commands an identical price. Paul Collingwood built his profile up a bit yesterday and he is listed at 6/1, just behind Ian Bell at 5/1. Matt Prior is at 8/1. Ricky Ponting earned the Man of the Match award during the Cardiff test and his 3/1 pricetag is short and more or less correct. Simon Katich put together a very solid innings and he sits at 7/2. Phillip Hughes is 9/2 with Michael Hussey and Michael Clarke both listed at 5/1. Marcus North is at 7/1 with Brad Haddin listed at around 9/1. William Hill has also outlined some match betting and I would recommend having a gander at the in-play markets on Thursday- that's where the money is made in test cricket.