ASHES 2ND TEST LIVE BETTING TIPS

We've seen England get off to a solid start during the first test at Lord's today with captain Andrew Strauss currently in the process of notching up a big total. At the time of this writing, Straussy is at 117 off 217 balls with 16 boundaries. The Aussies have been bowling relatively well and took Kevin Pietersen for around 30 with Ravi Bopara and Alistair Cook both trapped LBW. Taking a glance at the in-play market over at William Hill, we've seen England's odds drop in accordance with their solid performance today and they boast a 5/2 price, down from the 4/1 they were listed at previously. The Aussies are sitting at about 11/2 and I will expect the price to rise if England get over 500, but it will drop again once the Australians begin batting- especially if Katich and Ponting can repeat their heroics at the crease from Cardiff. In terms of the live betting, you can back over 15 different in-play markets with William Hill and they include Next Wicket Method where you'll generally see caught by an outfielder listed at 11/8, not caught also listed at 11/8 with Caught by the wicketkeeper at 7/2 or caught and bowled at 16/1. England have just got to 302/4- I'm expecting them to make it to at least 550 before declaring. They may push on to 600. In terms of the innings for the Aussies, Ricky Ponting is the 3/1 favourite to be named top batsman with Simon Katich sitting at 7/2. Phil Hughes sits at 9/2 with Michael Clarke and Michael Hussey both listed at 5/1. Marcus North is 7/1 with Brad Haddin available at 9/1. James Anderson is the favourite to be named leading wicket taker as Steve Harmison has been left out of the side after Andrew Flintoff was pronounced fit. Anderson is listed at 5/2 with Freddie Flintoff at 3/1. Graeme Swann and Stuart Broad are both listed at 4/1 with Ashes debutante Graham Onions at 9/2 and Paul Collingwood at a very long (and unlikely) 20/1.