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IT’S NOT a great time for England captains at the moment. Steven Gerrard retired from international football duty earlier this week and now a large number of cricket fans wish Alastair Cook would do the same.
Cook has been in woeful batting form of late, a 45 against Sir Lanka back in early June the best haul he has managed in his last five Tests. A paltry five in the first Test versus India saw the chorus of boos grow louder and he hardly improved with just 32 over two innings as the England middle order collapsed at Lord’s on Monday.
Sporting Index have pitched Cook’s total runs for this five-Test series at 250-265. Considering he’s made just 37 so far, and the pressure on him is so huge, that looks worth selling.
His runs for this Test are quoted at 73-80. Cook has failed to make more than 78 in his last 10 Tests and you have to go back to May 2013 to find the last time he hit more than 80.
The 29-year-old hasn’t hit a Test six since December 2012 and has only hit 18 fours in his last five outings. You’d be a brave bettor to buy at 80.
Despite having failed to win one of their last 10 Tests, and India riding a wave of confidence after their first win at Lord’s in 82 years, England are favourites on the 25 Win Index, priced at 12/13.5 for this clash in Southampton. With 10 points awarded for a draw, there’s certainly mileage in selling the hosts at 12. An India win will make up 0.