South Africa v England 4^th Test betting tips

After some more tail-end heroics courtesy of Graham Onions in the 3^rd Test, Andrew Strauss’ team stand on the verge of a historic series victory in South Africa. England have so far gone unbeaten in the three Tests played, surviving at Centurion and Cape Town to nick a draw both times, with the innings victory in Durban giving them a 1-0 lead going into Thursday’s final Test. The tourists are no bigger than 1/2 (totesport) to return home victorious, although they are sure to face a South Africa team who are desperate to avoid a series defeat on home soil.

It’s clear that the pitch will be prepared in such a way as to bring about a result, although it doesn’t stop the draw being pretty short for the match in Johannesburg. Totesport raise their heads above the parapet with odds of 9/5 that there’s a third stalemate at the New Wanderers Stadium, with England’s second innings run rate likely to be excruciatingly slow if the finish line is in sight. The Proteas are likely to go off favourites to square the series 1-1 and they are currently on offer at 13/8 (Ladbrokes) to win come Monday of next week. The home side started the series as strong 1/3 favourites, although a toothless bowling attack has prevented them from winning the 1^st and 3^rd Tests.

Indeed, morale could be low in the home camp following the team throwing away a winning position in Cape Town last week. Captain Graeme Smith has a job on his hands to rouse the troops, although we have often seen the best of the opener in adverse conditions and he’s 7/2 favourite (Ladbrokes) to score the most runs for the Saffers in the 1^st innings. The skipper picked up a man of the match award after a heroic 183 in the previous Test and it’s 9/1 with bet365 that he picks up back-to-back awards. Jacques Kallis is 8/1 (Coral) favourite on the same market, with the all-rounder having the potential do cause damage with bat and ball.

Meanwhile, there are still questions about England’s batting order, despite winning one and drawing two of the Tests so far. Kevin Pietersen has been especially disappointing for his team, although the bookies live in fear of the talented batsman and he’s a 4/1 chance (Ladbrokes) to score heavily when it matters with the top knock. Alastair Cook was also out of form earlier in the tour, although the man tipped to be a future captain of England scored two half-centuries in Cape Town and he looks a good each-way prospect at 4/1 (Victor Chandler).

After managing eight wickets last week, firms make James Anderson the 15/8 (bet365) favourite to finish top of the pile for England again, with Graeme Swann (11/4 Stan James) expected to be his main challenger. The Nottinghamshire off-spinner has been one of the players of the series and he’s a 14/1 chance (bet365) to pick up his third MOTM award in four Tests. You can also bet on the team of the Top Match Runscorer and South Africa are marginal favourites at odds of 8/11 (Blue Square), with the tourists available at even money (Paddy Power).