James Buttler of the Cricket Badger Podcast looks ahead to the second Pakistan v England Test match and finds the best bets in Multan from Tuesday.
They're back in Multan again, probably using the same pitch, it seems, after the first pitch was a road as predicted.
England's record breaking first Test win
England were absolutely amazing, the first team ever to concede over 500 in the first innings and win by an innings, that record stand of 454 for the fourth wicket between Joe Root and Harry Brook, the headline act. But it was a very good all-round performance by England's team.
They have made changes for the second test. Ben Stokes, the captain, comes back in.
Matthew Potts, the Durham bowler, comes into the side. Chris Woakes and Gus Atkinson are rested.
Pakistan make big changes
But the big news is that Pakistan have made major changes. Babar Azam, Nazeem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi have been dropped and there are four spinners in Pakistan's side, which would suggest that this second Test match track will turn. And, if Pakistan are going to have a chance of getting back into this series, that's probably that is their best tactic.
Joe Root is the play again in Multan
I am still undergoing counselling after putting up Joe Root to be the top run scorer in that first Test, and I lost, and he got 262, because Harry Brook got 317. There's not many times you lose when one of your players gets 262. But we're going to go again with Joe Root, because if it is a turning track, Joe Root is the best English batter to cope with spin. Root is 16/5 to be England's top batter.
Pakistan often do the unexpected
I actually think Pakistan have a little bit of a chance here. I did say my series prediction was 1-1 and obviously England are 1-0 up in the three-Test match series. Playing Draw No Bet on Pakistan at 9/5 to win the second Test takes the draw out the equation.
They are one of those mercurial sides where they are incredibly frustrating, they are terribly run off the pitch, but just as you give up on them, they provide you with something just to hang your hat on a little bit. So 9/5 on Pakistan DNB maybe is worth a little bit of a nibble.
Spinners the best option
It promises to be a slightly different Test than the first. If it is that used track that they do play on, then it is likely to deteriorate, obviously, because we're going into day 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 on that surface. So the spin of Pakistan could have a big say. On that basis, I'm going to have a little bit of a nibble on Abrar Ahmed at 13/5 for him to be the top home bowler.
England will remain positive
Finally, there is a special with Paddy Power that stands out. England to hit the most sixes and hit the most fours in the first innings is enhanced to 5/2. Now the way England play, they tend to hit the most fours and hit the most sixes. That looks like a standout special with Paddy Power.
James second Test Tips
Root to be England's top batter at 16/5
Pakistan Draw No Bet at 9/5
Abrar Ahmed to be the top Pakistan bowler at 13/5
England to hit the most sixes and the most fours in the first innings at 5/2
However you bet, enjoy the cricket, gamble responsibly, and I'll see you again ahead of the third Test.