Back England for series win

IF you subscribe to the view that the better bowling attack proves decisive in Test matches, and you should, then it is tough not to take the view that England will be too good for India in the three-match series which starts at Lord's on Thursday. Even though England have lost the services of Steve Harmison for the series, the presence of king of swing Matthew Hoggard if fit for the second Test and his prince Ryan Sidebottom should be too good for India. Harmison's absence is a blow even if he often resembles the Wildman of Borneo with a ball in his hand because of his ability to bowl the occasional hostile spell but despite a hernia problem keeping him out, England's bowling resources look far stronger than the tourists'. Zaheer Khan, who had an impressive season with Worcestershire last year, should lead the attack - a sign of weakness considering he is one of these cricketers who could be nicknamed Daisy - some days he does, some days he doesn't. With him is the unpredictable in line and length Sri Sreesanth, who admittedly has an impressive Test average of 25 but has limited experience of English conditions.Much will depend on Anil Kumble, one of India's legends, but at 36 England should not be too concerned, particularly because he is a bowler who relies on flight and guile rather than actual spin. Indeed for possibly the first time in history it is England who go into a clash with their sub-continental rivals with the better spinner. Monty Panesar's continuing improvement is a big reason why one could feel so confident about taking the evens about a home victory. With the bat there appears to be little to choose between the two outfits. Many will be excited by the superstars in India's batting line up - Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman - but before you get carried away, bear in mind that scoring runs on green seaming wickets on an overcast day in July is much tougher than doing so on a sunbaked road in Mumbai. England do not have as many famous names, Kevin Pietersen aside. But there is a lot to like about the way Alastair Cook constructs an innings, the strokeplay of Michael Vaughan, the grittiness of Paul Collingwood and the ability of Ian Bell to score big at No. 6. Vedict: 2pts England series win evens (Sporting Odds, Blue Sq, Stan james, Ladbrokes)