Root’s England will deliver

Captain fantastic is sure to be a popular play in the run scorer betting, but those after a bit more for their stake money can take him to put in a man of the match performance, an outcome that will bag believers an impressive 7/1. Root to top score in an England win – that comes out at 5/1 when betting with Coral.

England have recalled batsman Gary Ballance, and that goes as a major plus for the home side. He hasn’t been seen at this level since October, but is another who will be eager to impress. The perfect way to do that would be to help push his side to victory, and there’s plenty to like about the 20/1 on Ballance being named man of the match. England to win the first test is a 10/11 shot going in to the week.

Plessis misses first test

South Africa’s preparation was hampered by the news that captain Faf du Plessis will not take part in the first test, the 32-year-old missing out due to family reasons. The birth of the star’s first child saw him jet home, and it’s now clear he won’t return in time for Thursday’s start. Will his men suffer for that absence?

Coral think so, and are offering a meaty 11/4 on South Africa to claim a first test win, setting the pace for the rest of the series. A draw deserves careful consideration at 5/2, while those eager to play the long game can back the upset over four tests, The Proteas available at 7/2.

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