ENGLAND VS INDIA TEST MATCH BETTING TIPS

After Andrew Strauss set England's test cricket side up for a banner 1st innings, it all started to unravel a bit towards the end of the first day. Captain Kevin Pietersen failed to build upon his ODI heroics as he went out for a meagre three after stepping in for the ousted Ian Bell. Strauss and Alistair Cook formed one of England's best opening partnerships in quite some time as Cook blasted a 52 and Strauss went all the way to 126- to secure his third test century of the calendar year. UNANSWERED QUESTIONSThe big question hanging on everybody's mind at the moment is just how well Andrew Flintoff and night watchmen James Anderson will be able to perform during the early session. If they can hold on until drinks and then start to get the runs ticking afterwards then I think that England could run the score up to the levels they were previously looking for. With India deploying spin as early as the ninth over yesterday, you can expect to see a bit of Harbhajan Singh early on during day 2.REASONABLE TARGETSWith English wickets falling all over the place towards the end of yesterday's session, you get the feeling that England's players were relieved to get out when they did. While England's previous target of 400 looks out of the question now, barring an excellent performance, I think that 350 would be workable enough to have a shot at containing the Indians on day 3. Personally, I'm confident that the pitch will slow down considerably after today's play and if England can hang in there through the bulk of day 2, then India will have some serious work to do. England must be pleased that they opted to play 2 spinners in this match and I'm really looking forward to watching Panesar work some magic on the subcontinent. I think Flintoff will put together a heck of a performance today, I don't know how long Anderson will be around for, but England will definitely be looking to Matty Prior to get to 50. If he does, this one will be starting to tilt back towards England's favour. Prior and Flintoff are the keys to day 2. After all, England are due a bit of luck after that horrible decision on Paul Collingwood. RECOMMENDATIONS:Check out the live betting at 888sports where you can bet on a pile of different options in running. I'm backing Flintoff to go to 50I'm backing Prior to go to 50, as well. England will hit over 350. Back it early.