James Buttler of the Cricket Badger Podcast looks ahead to the first Pakistan v England Test match and finds the best bets in Multan from Monday.
The Test series starts on Monday. Early start UK time, 6.30am when the first ball is bowled, so if you're an early riser, there is some sport for you to watch in the coming week. It's going to be an interesting series.
Pakistan could prove tougher opponents this time
Last time England went there, they won the series 3-0, right at the start of the BazBall regime, which is still obviously ongoing. But it does mask the fact that it's a tough place to go. Pakistan is not easy, and it remains to be seen what tracks they actually prepare for this series.
Last time, they prepared absolute roads. It was very hard to take wickets. I think Pakistan's best bet would be to prepare rank turners and unleash their spinners on England, who have never been that good at facing spin.
But rumour is, there's going to be roads again. So it's going to be very interesting to see how Pakistan compete, because Pakistan have not been in the best of form in the test arena. Their talisman, Babar Azam, is short of runs, and they've just come off a defeat to Bangladesh. Jason Gillespie, the Australian former Yorkshire coach, has taken over at the helm, coaching the Test team. I know Dizzy a little bit from my time with Yorkshire, and he keeps it simple and I think Pakistan could respond to that.
With temperatures nearing 40 degrees Centigrade at this time of year, in Multan, it's going to be a very tough start.
England XI
England have only just got off the plane. They've had no preparation time, just a couple of net sessions. Ben Stokes misses out with his hamstring, so Ollie Pope will lead the team again, as he did do at the end of the English summer.
England have already announced their first Test XI. Zak Crawley is back as the opener after his broken finger. And Brydon Carse, the Durham all-rounder, makes his debut in place of Ben Stokes. Jack Leach back in with his left-arm spin.
1 Zak Crawley, 2 Ben Duckett, 3 Ollie Pope, 4 Joe Root, 5 Harry Brook, 6 Jamie Smith, 7 Chris Woakes, 8 Gus Atkinson, 9 Brydon Carse, 10 Jack Leach, 11 Shoaib Bashir.
Series Outcome
I don't think this is going to be 3-0 again to England. Looking at the prices on the outrights for the series, Pakistan priced at 6/4, England at EVS, the draw is at play. I think if they do prepare roads, one match could certainly be a draw. 1-1 is a play and the draw is 4/1.
Joe Root is a class act against spin
Anybody that has ever listened to my cricket betting previews know that the bet for me, for England top scorer, is always Joe Root, because he is always England's best player. It doesn't always land, but if you back him on a regular basis, you will land more often than not. And Joe Root is an exceptional player of spin bowling. He's 4/1 to be the top first innings batter in the match. That includes the Pakistan batters as well.
Can Babar Azam find form
My favourite batter for Pakistan is Babar Azam, but he's been woefully out of form. He's just given up the T20 international captaincy, and maybe under a new coach, against England, it might just bring out the best in him. I'm on Babar at 4/6 to score a 50 in the first Test.
Jack Leach will be keen to get back in the saddle
If England are going to compete in the series, they do need their spinners to bowl well, Shoaib Bashir, Jack Leach, and Joe Root need to come up trumps. And I think Leach could really revel in coming back into this England team. Leach to take over 4.5 wickets in the first Test match is 11/10.
James' PAKvENG Tips
1-1 as the series result at 4/1
Joe Root to be top first innings batter in the match at 4/1
Babar Azam to score a 50 in the first Test at 4/6
Jack Leach to take over 4.5 wickets in the first Test match at 11/10
However you bet, gamble responsibly, enjoy the cricket. There are three test matches to come. I'll be back ahead of Test match number two. Please gamble responsibly.