Broad Destroys Australia
England had an amazing first day of the fourth Ashes test where Stuart Broad ripped through the Aussie batting order with incredible figures of eight wickets for fifteen runs. Two wickets in the very first over set the tone and in the end they lasted less than nineteen overs which in itself is unheard of.
A quite brilliant unbeaten hundred from Joe Root aided by an encouraging 74 from Jonny Bairstow has put England firmly in control with a lead of 214.
They will hope to bat as for as long as they can tomorrow to put the game beyond Australia after only two days.
Yesterday's post highlighted the fact that it was Broad's home ground and that he would be the leader of the attack. We were on Broad to be top bowler in the match at 7/2 and this looks good at the moment together with the England win at 12/5.
Brighton 14:50
Agent Gibbs was a dramatic improver last time out after being stepped up in trip and looks good to go in again here even under a six pound penalty.
Previously he hadn't shown a great deal of promise in maidens but a lenient looking mark on his handicap debut and the extra two furlongs meant that he was a ready winner at Nottingham.
Cam Hardie's three pound claim cuts the extra six pounds in half and this race isn't any better than his previous one so everything looks in place for a repeat performance.
Brighton v Nottingham Forest
The Championship gets under way tonight with Forest travelling to Brighton.
Games involving Forest last season led to a lot of goals, more than three per game and they finished in mid table. Brighton really struggle to find the back of the net, scoring just 44 league goals with their defenders scoring just one less than their strikers.
Forest have struggled with injuries in pre season and the come into this game without forwards Assombolonga and Fryatt, together with playmaker Reid and captain Cohen. This will have a huge impact on their ability to score and therefore win the game, which is reflected in their odds of 5/2.
Brighton have resigned Bobby Zamora but having to rely on a 34 year old to provide the goals is a worry.
This has the makings of a low scoring match and I can see this ending in a nil nil or one all draw with the lack of creativity in both teams.
Today's Selections
Brighton 14:50 Agent Gibbs - 5 points win @ 11/10
Brighton v Nottingham Forest - 1 point draw @ 12/5