England v Pakistan 5th ODI tips: Hosts set to complete One Day series whitewash

When England last played an ODI in Cardiff against Sri Lanka in July, Yorkshire’s left-handed all-rounder Willey was the pick of the bunch in attack.

Recording One Day International best bowling figures of 4-34 at an economy of less than four runs per over, it appears he prefers Glamorgan to his home county ground when Willey plays for his country.

He was admittedly not at his best at Headingley last time out, giving away an average of one run per over more without taking victims. Back Willey, though, to replicate that Sri Lanka form against Pakistan by being best England bowler again at 7/2.

Adil Rashid to take over 1.5 wickets

Sticking with the hosts’ attack and Yorkshire players, spinner Rashid took 3-47 on home turf Headingley, and recorded 2-41 when England last came to Cardiff in One Day action.

Having also taken a couple of victims in the third ODI against Pakistan, leg-break bowler Rashid is not only in fine form, but has proven he can get Asian opposition at the Swalec.

Bearing all this in mind, a 13/8 price on Rashid to take over 1.5 wickets again looks terrific value.

Joe Root to hit over 3.5 fours

Widely considered to be England’s best batsman, Root instead appeals in another market if involved at Cardiff here.

Having hit at least five fours in all of the ODIs against Pakistan so far, and scoring six of them when last seen at the Swalec in England colours, siding with Root to swing for the boundaries.

A tempting 23/20 price says Root will score over 3.5 fours, and this bet looks virtually nailed on if punters are prepared to take it.

Azhar Ali to be best Pakistan batsman

As alluded to above, consistency has not been the tourists’ strong suit in the One Day game, but skipper Azhar Ali is the only batsman for them to record two scores of 80 or more during 50-over games.

Leading by example is something punters may recall from Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq, and the ODI skipper Azhar Ali could well follow suit with another impressive score here.

Take the 11/4 on offer for Azhar Ali to be best Pakistan batsman.

Related

There’s been betting coverage of Pakistan’s summer tour of England on the Coral news cricket page.