Wednesday 9 July 2014 09:55, UK
Sky Bet have signed Sir Ian Botham as a tipster ahead of this summer's eagerly-anticipated summer Test series with India, which gets underway on Wednesday.
The legendary all-rounder will be providing punters with his picks in 'Beefy's Bets' ahead of each of the five Tests, ODIs and T20 matches this summer.
England fans haven't had too much to cheer of late with the Three Lions suffering six defeats in the last seven Tests, but Beefy thinks Alastair Cook's men will come good against India.
"It's got to be an England win for me,” he said. “India's batting is very strong but it's their bowling department where they are weak.
"They (England) aren't playing well but I think India's bowlers will struggle and with home advantage England will have the edge."
The last time England hosted India in 2011 they ran out convincing 4-0 victors and while Beefy is confident England will come out on top this summer he expects it to be a little closer this time.
"I think England will win the series by two Tests either 3-1 or 2-0, it certainly won't be as one-sided as the last time they met in England," explained the Sky Sports pundit.
"The weather is likely to play a part in one or two matches but I think overall England to win 3-1 is a good bet."
With key bowlers Jimmy Anderson (2/1) and Stuart Broad (3/1) both short prices in the top series wicket-taker market Botham feels all-rounder Ben Stokes is the value bet at 13/2," he added.
"Jimmy Anderson is the man England will look to get the wickets but his price is too short. The value for me is with Ben Stokes. He looks like he's back to fitness and I think they'll play him as he gives the side balance," he added.
Apart from his series and match bets, Beefy will also be offering exclusive in-play tips and the online bookmaker will also be boosting the prices on some of his selections in 'Beefy's Boosts'.
Beefy's Bets
England to win the series - evens
England to win the Series 3-1 - 7/1 Boosted to 9/1
Top England wicket-taker - Ben Stokes 13/2
1st Test Bets
England to win - 13/8
Ian Bell England top runs (1st inns) - 100/30 Boosted to 7/2
James Anderson top wickets (1st inns) - 9/4
