CRICKET : England favoured to win 2nd Ashes test against Australia

England are a general 2/5 (1.40) with the bookmakers to complete their first Ashes victory at Lord's for 75 years after ending day three of the second Test with a lead of 521 runs over Australia.

England dismissed Australia for 215 in the morning but decided against enforcing the follow-on and instead set about extending their lead in quick time.

And while wickets fell regularly, England still ended the day on 311-6 thanks to quickfire half-centuries from Matt Prior and Paul Collingwood.

Australia's target is already over 100 more than has ever been successfully chased in the fourth innings of a Test match, and Ricky Ponting's men are a best-price 12/1 (13.00) with BetFred to complete a remarkable victory.

With a mixed weather forecast over the last two days, though, the draw looks Australia's likeliest means of escape, and that can be backed at 14/5 (3.80) with Paddy Power.

In the series betting, England are now 5/4 favourites with the Australians at 7/4. A drawn series - which would be enough for Australia to retain the urn - is 3/1.

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Aussies to Win First Cricket Test

AUSSIES 4/9 FOR REPEAT FIRST TEST VICTORY

Will The Lively Gabba Wicket Play Into Their Hands?

The Australians got off to a flyer in the First Test at Lords last year and are 4/9 with bet365 to go 1-0 up this time around. There’s been plenty of support for the hosts while England have been friendless at 13/2. The Draw is priced at 3/1 for those who think the teams will cancel each other out.

Australia are also 4/9 to command a 1st Innings lead (England 13/8), while bet365 have Top Batsman markets available for both teams in the Gabba Test Match. Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Strauss are joint favourites at 3/1 for England, while Paul Collingwood could be a spot of value at 13/2 to get the most runs.

It’s a close call for Top Australia Bat with bet365 making Ricky Ponting the marginal 10/3 favourite ahead of 4/1 shots Langer and Hayden, while Martyn and Hussey are 5/1.

bet365 are also offering a range of exciting Batsman Matches, including Strauss (5/6) v Langer (5/6), Cook (5/6) v Bell (5/6) and Ponting (8/11) v Pietersen (EVS).

Finally, remember that there are a wide range of In-Play opportunities available. The bet365 In-Play console will show the odds as they update in real-time.

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