Tendulkar to say fond farewell

It is fitting that the seven-match series between England and India has come to a decider at Lord's on Saturday for two reasons. Firstly because the two sides are evenly matched and the contest at HQ is a appropriate finale to what has been a thrilling series. And secondly Sachin Tendulkar gets to play what will probably be his last match on English soil at the most famous of venues in a meaningful game. The bookmakers, unsurprisingly given the series is tied at 3-3, are struggling to split the pair. Yet India have to be the bet given that one of the layers, Sportingbet, rate the tourists as an even money chance. The momentum is with Rahul Dravid's men after two consecutive victories thanks to them sorting out their running between the wickets and improvement in fielding. Yet the real reason for their resurgence has been the pitches. Triumphs at Headingley and The Oval came on batting paradises while it is notable that the three losses they suffered (at Southampton, Edgbaston and Old Trafford) were in bowler-friendly conditions. That makes the surface at Lord's key. The good news for India and their backers is that it should be another belter to bat on. With that in mind Tendulkar could be worth following to score runs. He is 3/1 generally to be India's top runscorer. The Little Master managed the feat at The Oval and he would dearly love to bow out with runs at Lord's, a ground where he has struggled in the past. India have won three of the last four meetings between the sides at Lord's. England's only victory came way back in 1975. Indeed England struggle there. They beat West Indies earlier this summer but that was there first win in an ODI on the ground since 2003. Verdict: 2pts India @ Evs (Sportingbet) (Editor's Note: England were 3-1 up in the series. Can they win the last match or will India complete a stunning comeback? For all the latest cricket prices go to Sportingbet!)