Beefy's Bets: Sir Ian Botham provides his best bets for the second Test at Trent Bridge

Cricket

Fri July 14, 2017 · 7y ago

Sir Ian Botham expects odds-on favourites England to overpower South Africa in the second Test at Trent Bridge, starting on Friday.

England outplayed the Proteas in the opening clash of the four-match series, recording a 211-run victory inside four days after a man-of-the-match performance from Moeen Ali.

Skipper Joe Root also hit a brilliant first-innings 190 in his first match since taking the reins from Alastair Cook in the comfortable win at Lord’s.

And Sky Bet tipster Botham is backing the new England skipper to lead from the front once again – one of his Beefy’s Bets ahead of the second Test.

"It’s got to be Root for me," said the former England skipper.

"He was outstanding at Lord’s and held things together after that early collapse.

"It was a captain’s knock and I expect him to carry that momentum into Trent Bridge."

Botham is also backing Jimmy Anderson to flourish against South Africa on a ground where he has enjoyed considerable success in his Test career.

England’s record Test wicket-taker has taken 53 wickets in his eight matches at Trent Bridge, including six five-wicket hauls, and Botham expects the Lancashire bowler to take full advantage of what is expected to be a seam-friendly pitch.

Botham added: "Jimmy’s got a great record and I’m confident that he’ll deliver again for backers. He’s definitely well worth a bet at 7/4.

"I’d also look at Root and Anderson in a double at a decent price - 15/2."