TEST CRICKET BETTING TIPS: ENGLAND VS INDIA, NEW ZEALAND VS WEST INDIES, AUSTRALIA

There is so much quality test match action happening right now that us cricket fans are literally spoiled by choice. If you enjoy betting on first class test cricket as much as I do, you might be feeling as though Christmas has come early. Informed punters know that totesport.com has some absolutely stellar odds and betting markets on all the ongoing test action and they'll be offering some in-play wagering on the England vs India match starting today. Things are definitely heating up as it's summer time down south and I expect lots of first-class excitement. England vs IndiaAfter the epic, and thoroughly enjoyable, first test in Chennai the Lions head over to Mohali having delayed the announcement of their line-up. Many of us are expecting Stuart Broad to factor into the proceedings and as wild as it may sound, I think the lad may have a serious impact on the test. After Panesar underwhelmed in the previous test, England will be up in the air about deploying a second spinner and that could very well be what grants Broad his opportunity. I expect him to be selected and I expect him to take wickets. The real wild card in this one for me is Virender Sehwag. He pretty much single-handedly took India past the post on the final day in deteriorating conditions and that has to be applauded. A performance of guile and grit was a fitting tribute to the residents of Mumbai- Sehwag's home town. Harbhajan Singh must improve as support-spinner and Mishra will be expected to build on his previous performance. My verdict: With England listed at 6/1 and having come a hairsbreath from winning the previous test, I'm going to have to back them, out of country allegiance at least. I will admit though, that is definitely India's to lose. The bookmakers are all favouring a draw here though, with 4/5 being across the board and the slimmest odds on offer. New Zealand vs West IndiesDaniel Vettori's men dealt with a rain-delayed first-test against Windies with relative aplomb, and I'm quite convinced that they're in the drivers' seat for this one. New Zealand are listed at 13/8 with Chris Gayle's men sitting at 13/5. A draw pays a mere 6/5 and seems to be the favoured outcome from the bookmakers perspective. I'm going to back New Zealand to win this one, with both the highest opening partnership (5/6) and the 1st innings lead (8/11). Windies play some quality stuff, but unless they can win the toss and produce something in the 400 region, this one will shift steadily towards the Black Caps as the test draws on. My Verdict: Back Vettori & Co. all the way, although Windies could certainly make a game of it. South Africa vs AustraliaWhat an innings for Mitchell Johnson! As Amla and Clarke looked to turn the tempo back towards the Proteas, Johnson stepped up late in the day to take an unbelievable 7 wckets- including an incredible spell of 5 for 2 from 21 balls. Incredible stuff. His personal heroics were the icing on the cake for an Aussie side who seem to be picking up some much-needed momentum. Going into day 3, I think South Africa are under an awful lot of pressure. Their pace attach will need to up the ante and make an early breakthrough- a fact complicated by Ponting being taken for a golden duck in the first innings- he's going to be an angry little man with a point to prove and I wouldn't fancy bowling against him. My Verdict: Back Australia's opening partnership to redeem themselves and back them to take the first test.