9th Jul 2013 | Cricket
Ashes Batting Preview 2013
The captains are expected to lead by example but is it backed up by the statistics? We examine the batting records of each team.
Michael Clarke and Alastair Cook have enjoyed a stellar couple of years with the bat, their performances enhanced by the responsibility of captaincy.
Clarke is 2/1 (Boylesports) to be Australia’s leading run scorer, whilst Alastair Cook is 3/1 (BetVictor) to do the same for England.
England Batting Statistics
Australia Batting Statistics
*Odds to be their team’s leading wicket taker
The bookmakers seem to have done their research, with Clarke and Cook on average scoring more runs per match than any of their teammates; with Michael Clarke way ahead on the next best Australian – David Warner.
However, dig a little deeper and both might be opposable in the betting. Firstly, an Ashes series is the most demanding series in Test cricket and with it comes extra pressure for the captains. Secondly, both players perform less well in ‘English’ conditions.
Alastair Cook averages 73.98 runs per match on home soil compared to his career average 81.78. Michael Clarke also has problems in seam friendly conditions, averaging only 69.70 runs per match when touring England, South Africa, New Zealand or the West Indies.
The Australian captain is a brilliant player of spin, but will he enjoy the barrage of fast bowling? As for Alastair Cook, he is more likely to get out cheaply to the new-ball when it is moving around early in the innings.
The pundits might be expecting big runs from the captains but perhaps the value lies elsewhere.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 16:23 9th Jul, 2013 but subject to change
