ENGLAND VS WEST INDIES TEST MATCH BETTING TIPS FOR DAY 2 AND 3

With the England vs West Indies match unfolding in front of all of us, it is really starting to look like it will be an interesting story today on day 2. At the time of this writing, Sidebottom and Harmison are trying to delay Chris Gayle's men from batting for as long as possible. There's some really exciting betting action going into Windies 1st innings of play over at Ladbrokes. Chris Gayle is available at 5/4 to get to 50 runs and he is listed at 4/1 to hit his century. Devon Smith is backed at 7/4 to hit the half-century, while he is a straight 6/1 to get his ton, as well. England remain favourites to take this one, mostly thanks to the excellent batting contributions produced by Kevin Pietersen, Matt Prior and Andrew Flintoff. In terms of the match betting, England sit at 10/11 and Windies sit at 5/2. The draw is paying in the neighbourhood of 9/4 and I think that will fluctuate significantly, especially on days 3 and 4. I think the real story of this match is going to be told through the eyes of Monty Panesar. Much is expected of him and with the wicket performing in the manner it has been, you would expect him to be taking wickets and taking wickets early. Sidebottom is looking in good form having gotten his first real run-out since August. Harmison also knows that he's going to have to put in an epic performance and he will be expected to dominate. An underwhelming performance could mean he won't be selected for the next test. James Anderson is waiting and the only one who really doesn't have to worry about his place is Stuart Broad, who had a fairly crappy stint with the bat but I'm sure he'll be looking to make a statement with the new ball.