ENGLAND VS WEST INDIES 2ND TEST PREVIEW AND BETTING TIPS

Chris Gayle's controversial comments and obvious lack of enthusiasm for the West Indies test captaincy have contributed to Windies now being priced at 7/1 for the outright win over in-form England at Chester-le-Street. He also took a few digs at England captain Andrew Strauss, while also declaring his preference for twenty20 over test cricket- a comment surely to set off an absolute shitstorm. Ladbrokes have England at 8/11 for the win here with a draw listed at 6/4. In my opinion, I think we're seeing what many pundits have predicted- the first direct instance of the modern cricketer being a global nomad going from twenty20 competition to twenty20 competition and paycheque to paycheque- national team be damned. I'm a fan of the shorter version of the game, but test cricket will always be the ultimate form of the game and I find it disconcerting that an international captain for a test playing side has declared the format more or less irrelevant. If that's the attitude in the West Indies, maybe they should go back to ODI status and let somebody like Canada take a step up to the highest level. At least Canada has plenty of players eager to play the ultimate form of the game. Strauss also tipped Graham Onions to continue his excellent form, and from a punters perspective I'm going all in on Onions as he'll be playing at his home ground in front of a very friendly crowd. This is his stage and the wicket he knows best. I expect him to dominate. Ryan Sidebottom is also back in the side and will be looking to prove himself an Ashes contender. Ian Bell knows he'll be expected to perform well from the crease and his usual fielding position at silly-point. James Anderson and Graham Onions are co-favourites to stand as top wicket-taker across the first innings at 5/2 apiece. Siders is at 7/2 alongside Stuart Broad (who had an excellent outing at Lords-taking very important wickets). Graeme Swann is listed at 4/1 and he will be able to do some damage on that Chester-le-Street pitch. Tim Bresnan (who didn't get much of an outing with the ball last time) is available at 6/1. If you think England can bowl out Windies for less than 200 in their first innings (not out of the question) you'll be paid out at 6/4. Kevin Pietersen is the favourite for top England runscorer at 3/1. I'm not too sure about that one myself, but he's bound to rediscover his form and confidence soon enough. This could be the test where he gets back on track. Andrew Strauss is always a solid bet and he'll be looking to make Gayle eat his words about the test format. Back him at 7/2. Cook is at 4/1, Ian Bell is at 5/1, Ravi Bopara is at 5/1 and that's a great bet in my opinion. You can also back individual players to get to certain scores and the odds are fairly decent as well. Pietersen to get to 50 pays 11/10 for the yes and 2/3 for the no. I think Bopara to get to 50 in the 1st innings at 11/8 is a lock and you can back him for another century at 9/2, but that might be pushing it again. Either way, I can see this one being an exciting test and it's nice to see England in good form on home soil this close to the start of the 2009 Ashes series.