England v West indies 2nd one day - Bristol

[jaydubs]

Just wondered what peoples thoughts were on this ?

With Bristol being basked in sunshine today and due to be set fair tomorrow I don't see the massive early morning movement and swing that Jon Lewis and co. usually find for Glos. so I expect runs tomorrow even though the last ODI v New Zealand was a low scoring affair 182-160. I would suggest after maybe an early loss or at the worst two the pitch will become very flat and tha only way to stop the ball disappearing to all parts and put the brakes on may be to take the pace off it so Benn, Gayle and Swann should play bigger parts but I also fancy Dwayne Bravo to play a big part after his spell in the IPL with his powerful strokeplay and really good and effective change of pace. I think this pitch will play in to the WI hands and although they do look very out of sorts the strong hittters of Simmons, Gayle, Bravo and Pollard could make a mockery of the shorter boundries. With both Pieterson and Flintoff out a lot is going tlo be left on the shoulders of Ravi Bopara to strike the ball early and if he fails it looks a very weak middle order with no real big hitters should England be chasing a target. On the quicker bowling dept you have to be accurate as short and wide will be punished as the ball does not fly through at agreat pace, again WI seem to have the better one day men in this area with Darren Sammy and Jerome Taylor. As well as Anderson bowled in the Tests this will be another stage altogether and may just disappear for 60+ off his 10. Lastly England have only won 2 of 6 games at the county ground and is clearly a ground that doesn't suit them as you can see from Glos' one day success adn squad of now and a few years ago (big hitters in Spearman, Marshall etc. and accurate bowling with out a great deal of pace i.e Jon Lewis, Mark Alleyne, Martin Ball etc.) England don't really have these type of players, I think they are more suited to an Oval for batting or a Trent Bridge with the swing.

For me my best bets would be

West Indies win @2.1 Ladbrokes
Most Sixes WI at 11/10 Coral (Gayle, Simmons, Bravo, etc v Mascheranas and Bopara as I see it)
Highest score first 15 overs WI 5/6 Coral (We all know how England don't use these properly)

And possibly an in play one tomorrow for under so many runs for the team batting firsts opening partnership.

Good luck and hope we get a good game

[avlfcdev]

Excellent write up Jaydubs, agree on every point except for:

[jaydubs]

Aye maybe was a little harsh on him John (I am not his greatest fan) I am just worried in this arena that if it doesn't swing he can go for a lot and am yet to be convinced otehrwise. Maybe this series where he has been given the mantle of the man to lead the attack will have done him the world of good and it was clear he has a lot more confidence in himself. Hopefully he can put together a good run of performances in the ODI arena but only in the 3rd ODi onwards as my money is already down on a WI win...

[fairfranco]

great write up, good to see someone getting something up for the cricket.

that Most 6's bet is rediculous value.

The only danger is Gayle going out without scoring any but then they've still got a few players who can knock a 6 while you usually find England don't knock that many.

I also fancy west Indies at least for a trade but don't think i'll be betting o it today as I'll be out and would rather see it to trade it.

[jaydubs]

Well didn't really expect such a low scoring affair. The WI just aren't bothered about being here and it shows there was some poor dismissals in their innings and they got nowhere near the total they should have which was proven as England won at a canter. On the plus side
WI had the most sixes
WI scored the most in the first 15 overs
and I took the in play for below for the opening partnership

but the WI played like the bloody Womens Institute and lost :x

On to the next game at Edgbasten on Tuesday

[KanKeano]