Cricket betting: Sri Lanka v England 2nd Test

England wicketkeeper Matt Prior said it was "heartbreaking" to get so close to safety against Sri Lanka in the first Test at Kandy and that his side could take loads of positives from the game. Click here to get your £25 free bet from Blue Square to bet on the 2nd Test Sorry Matt, but us punters are not convinced and there is every reason to feel that if you're heart is hurting now, just wait until the aftermath of the second Test, which starts at the Sinhalese Sports Club on Sunday. For all the talk of being 20 minutes away from a draw and all the apparent plus points, it is pertinent to remember two things. Firstly, England were hanging on for grim death near the close in Kandy and there is nothing more unedifying than a side feeling buoyed by avoiding a defeat they deserved. Secondly, England threw away a golden chance of victory by squandering a first innings lead of 93 precious runs. Sure as hell, there is nothing positive about that. Indeed, the question punters need to ask themselves is this: if England cannot win after bowling Sri Lanka out for 188 and then establishing a lead, what position can they win from? The answer is a negative one and prices of 4/1 (general) about the tourists seem too short. Sri Lanka look terrific value at 11/10 with Blue Square while the draw at 7/4 does not appeal. Kandy represented England's best chance of victory because the venue helped the swing bowlers. England will not be so lucky at the SSC, mainly because they are likely to lose their best exponent of the art, Matthew Hoggard, to injury. Steve Harmison is expected to take his place and then go round the park on a wicket which is great to bat on. Sri Lanka amassed 756 there against South Africa last year with Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene breaking the world record for a single partnership with double and triple tons respectively. Of the two, Jayawardene is the value for top bat honours at 4/1 (general). Click here to get your £25 free bet from Blue Square to bet on the 2nd Test