CWC England150Couch Critic provides his betting tips for the second ODI between South Africa and England which takes place in Durban on Friday 7th February

 

 

 

 

SOUTH AFRICA vs ENGLAND 2nd ODI - 07 Feb, Durban @ 13:00

 

SETTING THE SCENE

 

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes the new-look Proteas bounced back from a dooming series loss to the visiting Poms by comfortably strolling to victory in the first ODI at Newlands. Of course the hosts also won the opening test so it remains crucial for Quinton de Kock’s young chargers to continue their run and secure the three-match series by coming out victorious in Durban.

 

LET’S TALK TACTICS

 

England were caught flat by the South Africans in the opening one-dayer. Roy looked in a bullying mood but there was a wasteful run-out of Joe Root and only Denly and Woakes were able to bat with any fluency after the mid-innings setbacks. One has to wonder whether Tom Banton is best suited to his lower order role whilst it is clear that the World Champions aren’t the same side without at least one of their fire breather quicks available for duty here. Mat Parkinson’s leggies lacked the required venom as well – Rashid clearly remains the most lethal spinning option for the English.

I stated before the start of the series that Shamsi would have a crucial role to play as he steps out of the shadow of Imran Tahir. For mind the chinaman bowler was the man of the match in Cape Town as he took three important wickets and kept the visitors in a rut. Temba Bavuma supported De Kock well and it was impressive to see the new skipper keep his attacking game in check and manage the run-chase to precision.

Durban has traditionally become one of the slower tracks in the country. A recent domestic 50 over game held here once again showed the dry, slow nature of the Kingsmead pitch and I expect nothing different come Friday. Run scoring will be tough, especially for the team batting second and the tweakers should play an important role.

 

Take our weekend football treble, Fiorentina v Atalanta both teams to score, Villarreal to win at Real Valladolid) and Hellas Verona v Juventus over 2.5 goals with odds boosted to 8.90

 

HOW I SEE IT PLAYING OUT

 

I was always going to look to back Shamsi here in Durban where the spinners traditionally enjoy a good amount of assistance. Unfortunately his impressive performance in the last ODI means we have to settle for a reduced price on the wrist spinning magician. By the same token I expect Rashid to be brought back into the English playing eleven and announce his return with a good haul of wickets against the hosts.

No one in the top order convinced in the opening encounter. Joe Root was only undone by a good bit of fielding in Cape Town and I expect the English skipper to bounce back in Durbs. From the South African perspective captain (de) Kock delivered for us last time out whilst the little Napoleon, Bavuma was superb in getting our series bet off to a bright start. Number three remains my preferred position form which to launch a substantial score. Given the form that he is now clearly in I’m looking at Temba to perform at what is still a decent price offered.

Lastly JJ Smuts is worth backing in the Man of the Match market. He is likely to be given a chance to contribute with both bat and ball. His left arm orthodox might look slow and un-impressive but they proved quite effective at Newlands and he should get a lot of overs in Durban. At this price Smuts is the man to back in this market despite the fact that I feel England have every chance of bouncing back in this match.

 

Best Bets with BETOLIMP:

 

Top South Africa Batsman – T Bavuma @5.50

Top England Bowler – A Rashid @4.80

Top SA Bowler – T Shamsi @4.00

Man of the Match – JJ Smuts @18.00

 

Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change

 

Couch Critic