England vs Netherlands – Patience key for England batsmen
Published:England are an unbackable 1/25 to beat the Netherlands in their opening game at the Cricket World Cup, but some decent betting opportunities exist in uncovering how many runs England’s batsmen will score in the game.
While the Dutch are relatively solid when it comes to their batting, they are far weaker in the bowling department.
Alongside lacking a recognised spinner that may cause problems in the sub-continent conditions, their faster bowlers are also more renown for keeping things tight rather than taking wickets.
Therefore, the Dutch may take wickets by frustrating the England batsmen into taking on overly-aggressive shots, rather than through their movement off the seam and extra pace.
The key for England’s batsmen, particularly at the top of the order, will be to remain patient and not take too many risks at the start of the innings.
With Kevin Pietersen promoted to opener to make a big early impact in the powerplay overs, the responsibility will fall on the shoulders of captain Andrew Strauss to remain at the crease and play a supporting role.
If Strauss plays sensibly and within himself, 6/5 is a big price in the Cricket World Cup betting that Strauss scores at least 50 against the Netherlands.
Pietersen is liable to make either a big contribution or get out cheaply and is also 6/5 to register a half century.
Meanwhile, Stuart Broad has been England’s best bowler in their World Cup warm-up matches against Canada and Pakistan and is 2/3 to take a minimum of two wickets against the Netherlands.
The Dutch have lost both of their previous World Cup games against England, but did claim a shock victory in the opening match of the 2009 Twenty20 World Cup.
It is 9/1 that Holland beat England and their chances are largely dependent on how many runs are scored by flamboyant batsmen Ryan ten Doeschate and Tom Cooper.
A £25 stake on the Netherlands beating England would return £225. New customers can sign up here for a free £25 bet.
