Third Test win propels England closer to ending Indian misery

Only ten balls into day five of the third Test, England wrapped up victory in Kolkatta, and moved a step closer to a first series win in India since 1985.

The Three Lions are now 7/4 to build on their 2-1 advantage, whilst India are the same price to level the series in the fourth test.

But with the momentum firmly in the favour of England, who remain the world’s number one ranked Test side after this success, it could pay to side with Alastair Cook’s men again.

Of course, England require only a draw to clinch the series, and that outcome could attract some significant support from punters at a generous 2/1.

There certainly appears to be a good chance that patriotic punters will be rewarded, considering English efforts since suffering a nine-wicket mauling in the first Test of this series.

Their seven-wicket success in the third match made them the first side to beat India at Eden Gardens since 1999, and put Cook’s men on the verge of making more history.

Indeed, English victory in the next Test would see India lose three home series ties consecutively for the first time in 29 years.

And if record-breaker Cook can replicate the kind of first innings display he produced in the third Test, his side look set to enter the record books too.

After hitting a 23rd Test century for England, Cook’s second innings showing was less impressive, but he was able to rely on Ian Bell to see his side past the finishing line.

That came after James Anderson had made short work of Ravichandran Ashwin, who he dismissed in only the second over of the day, with his fourth ball.

Cook’s departure for a single run though, along with Kevin Pietersen’s early exit, had given India a glimmer of hope, leaving England looking shaky on just 8-3.

But Bell stepped in to take over, and made 28 runs from as many balls to push the visitors comfortably past the finishing line.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.