England v Sri Lanka Test Series

By Big Joe

Commences 26th May 2011

After a glorious Ashes winter, England now face a big summer test against two Asian giants. India arrive in July for a mouth watering series but first up it’s the turn of an exciting Sri Lankan side.

Sri Lanka have a new leader of the pack. Kumar Sangakkara stepped down after the World cup final and the reins have now passed to Tillakratne Dilshan, who has made a promising start to the tour with wins in the two warm up games, including against a strong England Lions team.

Some big names of the recent past are missing from the Sri Lankan side. The legendary Murali has retired, the fearsome Malinga has also retired from the Test arena and the promising all rounder Angelo Mathews misses out through injury.

Even with these notables missing, Sri Lanka still boast an impressive. On the batting front they have the experienced engine room of Dilshan, Sangakkara, Jayawardne and Samaraweera. The main bowling threat will come from the spin duo of the unconventional Ajantha Mendis and Suraj Randiv. Sri Lanka appear weak in the seam bowling department, but the likes of Perera and Welegedara are more then capable on their day.

England on the other hand have a more settled side. The only major change from the successful Ashes side will be Eoin Morgan taking over from the now retired Paul Collingwood. There was a major debate regarding Collingwood’s replacement with Ravi Bopara a strong candidate, but a big ton from Morgan in the warm game seems to have swung the pendulum his way.

England will be very confident of building on the Ashes success with this home series against Sri Lanka and are short priced favourites to prevail. However, I believe there is value in opposing them at these prices. Sri Lanka are an improving side and they have a good recent record against England and they will prove to be a tough nut to crack. The new era under Dilshan has got off to a great start and I believe this Test Series will see the Sri Lankans make further strides and my suggested bets for this series are:

In the Series Outright Market:

LAY England for 5 points liability @ 1.46 at Betfair

BACK Sri Lanka for 2 points @ 7.5 at Sportingbet, Bet365

In the Series Correct Score Market:

BACK Sri Lanka to win 1-0 for 1 point @ 17.0 at Bet365

BACK Sri Lanka to win 2-0 for 1 point @ 26.0 at Boylesports

BACK 1-1 drawn series for 1 point @ 7.0 on Betfair

Big Joe