Cricket Betting Tips: Dominant openers can get England off to a flyer again

A MAJOR part of England’s transformation in One-Day cricket is down to the tone their openers have set.

Since Jonny Bairstow replaced Alex Hales at the top of the order, he and Jason Roy have turned into arguably the most feared of all ODI opening duos.

They have smashed opposition attacks to all places time and time again and regularly get their side off to a flyer.

Collectively, no other opening pair has scored more runs at the top of the order since 2018, with both showing in the warm ups that no ground is big enough if either get going.

Scores of 300 plus are the norm these days, meaning striking power at the top is crucial, as sides bank on getting ahead of the run-rate early while the fielding restrictions are in place.

Perhaps most worryingly for opposition attacks is the fact that both come into the tournament in great form.

Bairstow enjoyed a fantastic debut season in the IPL and then smashed a remarkable 128 in the recent Pakistan series, while Roy has only failed to pass 50 once in his last five innings, with a classy 114 against Pakistan the highlight.

The pair average 58.7 when batting together, the highest of any opening partnership at the World Cup and I fancy them to kick off the tournament in fine style against a South African attack that looks a bowler short with Dale Steyn unavailable due to injury.

Sporting Index have a spread of 48- 53 on the fall of England’s first wicket and I’m keen on buying at 53.

They have put on partnerships of 77, 159 and 115 in three of their last four stints together and I expect that to continue at The Oval today.

POINTERS

Buy England fall of 1st wicket 53 Sporting Index