Beefy's Bets: Sir Ian Botham's best bets for the England v West Indies 1st Test
Sir Ian Botham thinks Jimmy Anderson will revel with the pink ball when England take on the West Indies in the first day-night Test.
England’s leading wicket-taker (pictured) looked back to his best against South Africa, claiming 20 wickets as England wrapped up a 3-1 series win.
He leads the England attack in the first of three Tests against the West Indies at Edgbaston, starting on Thursday, and Sky Bet tipster Botham thinks the 3/1 about Anderson claiming the most first-innings wickets for England is too good to ignore.
"We're all waiting to see what happens (with day-night Tests in England). It will be interesting," said Sky Sports cricket pundit Botham.
"The boys don't like the pink ball, they say it goes too soft too quickly and also moves excessively, so when it gets to 8.30pm in the evening, with the lights on, I'm sure it will start doing a few things.
“England certainly have the players, the likes of Jimmy (Anderson) to use that to their advantage.
“He (Anderson) had a great series against South Africa and it will be interesting to see how much extra movement he gets with the pink ball but he’s definitely the man to put your money behind.”
Botham also expects England to win the series at a canter and believes it a crucial series for the likes of Mark Stoneman, Dawid Malan and Tom Westley as they bid to secure places on the Ashes tour.
"It's an important series for a number of players. There is a plane waiting to go to Australia with a number of seats not filled yet. These three Tests are seriously important for those players if they want to make that Ashes tour."
One player definitely on the plane is skipper Joe Root and Botham feels his consistency makes him the man to be England’s top scorer in the first Test (a 3/1 Price Boost, from 2/1) and the series at 7/4.
“Root is the man the West Indies have to get out. He's in great form and relishing the captaincy.”
Beefy’s Bets
First Test
Joe Root top England batsman in 1st innings – 3/1
James Anderson top England bowler in 1st innings – 3/1
Series
Joe Root top England batsman in series – 7/4
James Anderson top England bowler in series – 9/4