By and large the past six months of international cricket has been dominated by the white ball. Now, it’s time for the white kits to come back out as one of the most anticipated Test series is about to unfold over the next six weeks. England, fresh off transforming Test cricket with their gutsy Bazball methodology, heads to what many view as the hardest place to win a Test match: India.
These two cricketing nations have been going at it for the best part of a century in this format. Over the years they’ve produced some of the best Tests in history, but we could be in for something special this series. Under the leadership of Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes, England has changed the game, and they’ll be eager to prove that applies in Indian conditions too.
We break down all the latest betting odds from bookmaker William Hill and outline the best bets to make on the first India vs. England Test match this week.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: January 24th, 3:00 A.M. (GMT)
Outright betting odds heading into the first Test of this series are grim. Home team India is a heavy, heavy favourite, returning a low 1.44 to win. Despite these being the number two and three Test sides in the world, England is well behind at bookmaker William Hill, paying 4.33 for a victory in the opening match.
There’s a reason why it’s been over a decade since England last won a series in India. Simply put, the subcontinent is one of the toughest places to play cricket. With devastating heat and pitches that boast gaping cracks for spinners to target, time and time again visiting sides have fallen prey to India’s conditions.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: January 24th, 3:00 A.M. (GMT)
While we believe England will make a real contest out of this series, we don’t believe they’ll have any luck in the first Test. Even in the Ashes it took them until the third Test before they could get a win and that was at home. Playing in these conditions, it will take England some time before they become accustomed and can adapt. By then, expect the first Test to be lost.
Those looking for a little higher return than the 1.44 being offered by an Indian win might want to look at some of the other proposition odds being offered on this match. Jonny Bairstow is paying a handsome 5.00 to be England’s top batsman, and we say this is a great bet to take.
Chances are England will find themselves multiple wickets down for not many runs at some stage. In these instances, when the Indian conditions are devastating their lineup, this is where Bairstow thrives. When others are struggling, he steps up and starts slashing boundaries. A quick 40 could be all that’s required to top score for England in the first innings and that could just take a handful of balls for Bairstow.
