England v India

UPDATE 3.30pm
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At moment I think England a bit behind rate.

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Of the last 10 matches played between these two India have won seven.

And in this series of seven matches that starts today it really is a matter of the Indian batsmen against the England pace attack to decide who wins.

Encouragingly for England - and they really do need some - the weather is inclement again suggesting pitches might well help them. The likes of Freddie, Broad, Tremlett etc will have to take wickets to restrict India.

Expect the classy Yuvraj Singh to perform as well., He has averaged the best part of 50 over the last two years and is a sublime player.

Now for the Rose Bowl:

8 matches
3 won by side batting first
4 by side batting second
one no result.

Highest score - 290 India v Kenya
Lowest score 131 ( ignoring false matches )

Average in last few years is irrelevant as they were mainly Champions Trophy in 2004 played in late September. Last year Pakistan chased 271 easily.

This is a watch and trade for me as there are so many unknowns. Pitch? Weather? Teams?

And usually even when England play both sides trade above evens during the first three hours so let's base a strategy on that.

Prices -
ENG 2.16
IND 1.86