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Cricket.

India vs. England, 1^st ODI - 28/03/06

The three match test series between these two teams was a great contest and ended in a 1-1 tie with both teams thinking they should have won. England overcame the loss of a huge number of first choice players yet remained competitive. That of course was in the Test Match format and now we get to the one day games, a format that England have never mastered. India are firm favourites for this 7 match series and I have yet to read an argument that gives the visitors any chance of more than a couple of wins. It looks like I will have to break from the pack and take the view that there is value in backing England to win the first game and thus be a good trade on the exchanges for the series.

The Flintoff factor cannot be underestimated. Freddie is the best cricketer that England have produced since Ian Botham. He is a huge figure of a man who commands respect from the opposition and inspires his own team in a way that only very special athletes can do. He is the best all rounder in the world and since Michael Vaughan was forced to withdraw through injury, the Fredster has not only looked comfortable as acting Captain, he has proved to be very tactically astute and has got the maximum output from his players. Those players sitting back in England nursing injuries will be a little worried that they will not just walk back into the team when fitness returns. Anderson, Shah and Bell have looked very sharp.

England have a very good record of winning opening matches in one day series ( 7 wins from the last 8 opening games) and they did manage a 2-2 draw in 2002 when they last played India on the sub continent. The final game saw England level the series and Flintoff lead the celebrations with a shirt off charge round the field that would put any soccer player to shame.

Don’t feed with the herd, back England to win the first game and lay India for the series on the exchanges (1.44 at present). The Freddie Flintoff Factor could pay good dividends.

4 points England to win the 1^st ODI @ 11/8 with ToteSport

lost 4 points

lost 4 points

Lay India @ 1.44 for 10 points for the series (Betfair). 

lost 4.44 points