The Ashes 2010
Both Australia and England will celebrate at least once, writes Nick Tedeschi.
Ashes 2010 betting has Australia as a strong favourite to retain the urn and while they are likely to do so, it will not be without worry. Both teams will win a Test throughout the upcoming Ashes series. There will be no sweep and traders can confidently bet against any series score to zero in the Ashes 2010 betting series score market.
The Ashes series is upon us
History is certainly against the prospect of a sweep. In the last six Ashes series played in England, only once has one of the nations failed to win a Test match, way back in 1989 where Australia once again rose to prominence after a number of years in struggle town. Throughout the entire Shane Warne-Glenn McGrath era, where Australia were the most dominant cricket team in history, Australia did not hold England scoreless with England winning two Tests in 1997 and 2005 and once in each of the 1993 and 2001 series.
Historically, a shutout in a five-Test series is a rarity and that is even more of a truism in an Ashes series where both teams attack the Test matches like a grand final.
Ashes 2010 betting has Australia 3-0 at around the 10.50 mark with Australia 2-0, 4-0 and 5-0 between 14.0 and 16.0. All options can be taken on at far bigger prices.
Looking at each Test, a better grasp on the likely series score can be obtained.
The first Test is due to be played at Cardiff, the first ever Test at the venue, making a forecast of that match somewhat difficult.
The second Test will be played at Lords with an Australian win or a draw the most likely outcome. Australia have won five of the last six Ashes contests played at the ground though the last six matches at the home of cricket have ended in a draw.
England get their best chance to win a Test match at Edgbaston where England have won three and drawn one of the last six Ashes Tests at the venue. England have also won seven and drawn two of the last twelve matches in Birmingham. Of most interest is the likelihood of an outcome at Edgbaston with 14 of the last 17 Tests garnering a result, meaning the draw can be virtually forgotten.
The same holds true at Headingley, the venue for the fourth Test, where 23 of the last 25 Test matches have seen a win and a loss entered into the record books. Australia have a good record in Leeds with wins in 1989, 1993 and 1997 before England claimed the Test in 2001. No Test was played at Headingley during the 2005 series. Australia look the goods at Headingley.
The last Test will be played at The Oval and England have a great record at the ground, not losing there since 2001. In Ashes play, England have only lost once in the last six series.
With Australia still deserved favourites, the best bets in Ashes 2010 betting in regards the series score are Australia 2-1 and 3-1 and Australia 3-2. The first two options can be wagered at better than 7.0 while the 3-2 score can be taken at 12.0.
