England v Sri Lanka
The first test match of the English summer is upon us with England taking on Sri Lanka in a three match test series. The last time these two sides met in England, Sri Lanka were somewhat surprising winners when they were in a rich vein of form and England were struggling. Now though, the roles appear reversed as this young England team are fresh from a brilliant victory against the former number one team in the world, South Africa, on their home turf no less.
There is a brilliant togetherness with this England side that sees them all working for each other, and it is really helping them to obtain some significant results under the leadership of Trevor Bayliss. He is keen to let the players express themselves and play their natural games without the fear of being dropped should they put in one or two below par performances. This in turn has led to a relaxed England side which has reaped the benefits.
With the form that England are in it is hard to see them not being comfortable winners against a Sri Lanka team in transition. They are best priced 1/6 to win the series which tells its own story.
There are a couple of selections that stand out for me over the series however which look to have some value attached. Joe Root just continues to get better and better and has started off this season in fine from in the County Championship for Yorkshire. He scored a double hundred last week and I fully expect him to be the highest run scorer of the series. His is best priced 2/1 to be England's top run scorer and I am very happy with that.
Jimmy Anderson has had a decent rest since the tour of South Africa and I fully expect him to be firing on all cylinders from the word go when things get started tomorrow morning. He is best price 3/1 to be the top bowler and it is another selection I think looks good.
Today's Selections
England v Sri Lanka - Joe Root to England batsman - 3 points @ 2/1
Jimmy Anderson top bowler - 3 points @ 3/1