Beefy's Bets: Sir Ian Botham provides his best bets for the fourth Test at Old Trafford

Cricket

Fri August 04, 2017 · 7y ago

Sir Ian Botham thinks the even-money about England winning the final Test against South Africa is well worth an investment.

England bounced back from a crushing defeat at Trent Bridge with a 239-run victory at The Oval, Moeen Ali wrapping things up in style with a hat-trick.

Joe Root’s side now head to Old Trafford with a 2-1 series lead and encouraged by a much-improved display after losing the second Test heavily.

Manchester has suffered a deluge of heavy rain in the build up to Friday’s final Test prompting the players to prepare indoors and further bad weather is forecast.

But Sky Bet tipster Botham remains hopeful England will be able to beat the rain and wrap up a 3-1 series win, his ante-post prediction with the online bookmaker.

The legendary all-rounder said: "We’ve already had lots of rain here and the forecast is pretty bleak for the weekend.

"The draw is favourite if the weather is bad, but I still feel that if England get enough time they could win and are worth backing."

Botham was scathing of England's performance at Trent Bridge, as they were hammered by 340 runs, but felt they gave the perfect response at The Oval.

"England dominated proceedings and never allow South Africa to get into the match, they were very impressive after such a poor display at Nottingham.

"They have a habit of doing that, I think it’s the way they play with their positive, attacking approach."

The Sky Sports commentator was buoyed by the contributions of Toby Roland-Jones and Tom Westley on debut and thinks it bodes well for the future.

"There’s plenty of depth now in the squad and lots to play for ahead of the Ashes in the winter,” he added.

"There are a number of players already inked in, the likes of Root, Stokes, Cook, Anderson, Broad and Bairstow but there are others places up for grabs.

"Westley played very positively and Toby Roland-Jones bowled superbly. Mark Wood should be back to face the West Indies with his heel problem so it’s good to have competition."

Botham is tipping in-form Ben Stokes to carry on where he left off at The Oval to top score in the first innings at 7/1, while he’s picked James Anderson, on his home ground, to be England’s top wicket-taker at 11/4.