England v Pakistan Twenty20 Series

By Big Joe

Commences Sunday 5th September 14.30 GMT

Pakistan find themselves embroiled in more controversy as three of their players, Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir, face allegations in regard to possible spot fixing in the 4th Test. As a result, they have all been withdrawn from the rest of the games on this tour.

Sunday sees the first of two T20 games and it will be interesting to see how Pakistan react on the field to the off field revelations. Whilst they will miss the obvious high class bowling of Asif and Amir, the return of inspirations skipper Shahid Afridi will give them a boost.

Pakistan won both their T20 games against Australia earlier this year and they will again be confident in this shortest format. Key to their success in this format has been the exceptional and balanced bowling attack of Gul, Afridi and Ajmal. All are in the side again and I believe Pakistan will be hard to beat, provided they do not suffer from the ongoing controversy. They will either fold under the off field pressures, or they will pull together, unite and do their much suffering country proud. I believe it will be a case of the latter and therefore feel that they represent the value in this series.

England have had some problems too. Kevin Pietersen has been dropped, Kieswetter, Collingwood and Morgan have been short of runs. They have brought in Steve Davies as a replacement for KP to keep wicket and probably form the opening partnership with Kieswetter.

England are the reigning Twenty20 World Champions and they too will be confident going into this series. However, against Pakistan I feel there is no value in their price and therefore my suggested bet for this series is:

In The Series Outright Market

BACK Pakistan to win for 4 points @ 5.0 at Ladbrokes & Paddy Power

Big Joe