England v West Indies – 1st ODI

If it didn’t happen every year at the start of the English “Summer” ODI season I’d be surprised at the fact that England are a lot shorter than they should be for the first one dayer against the West Indies. Whilst West Indies hardly set the world alight in the worst World Cup in history, England’s performances were just as dismal and whilst neither team particularly fills you with confidence, $1.53-$1.55 is just too short.

England backers will point to the loss of Brian Charles Lara as reason to oppose the KFC’s, but, though undoubtedly class, he hasn’t had that much influence in the 50 over format for some time now. West Indies are more suited to the shorter format and performed creditably over the last year or so…as opposed to England who have struggled to get out of first gear – apart from stringing two good games together against the Aussies last Christmas.

England will field a new look, and largely experimental, team tomorrow which features a number of players who have a lot to prove at international level. None of Cook, Prior, Trott, Shah, Mascarenhas, Yardy, Broad and Sidebottom are guaranteed their place in the starting line-up and yet at least 7 of them are likely to start tonight. The West Indies team look like veritable old-timers in comparison. Similar starting line-ups shared the two match 20/20 series 1-1, though the Windies were missing Devon Smith and Chanderpaul in the match they lost.

Add a little sprinkling of inclement weather to the pot, any shortening of the match is more likely to aid West Indies, and you have an appetising wager. In my mind there is little to choose between these two teams but I would have England as favourites due to home advantage and greater comfort with the conditions. The West Indies have been there a while now, however, and should be fairly well acclimatised. I would personally price England at about $1.70 so would suggest a lay at $1.55 or lower for 5 points. If it moves higher than that then still lay up to $1.65 but only a point there – and adjust your stake accordingly if you get matched somewhere in between.

Plays of the day

England v West Indies 1st ODI, lay 5 pts at $1.55; Betfair.