9th Jul 2013 | Cricket
Ashes Top Bowler Tip: Ryan Harris
Averages 3.92 wickets per match and the value is found opposing a market biased towards England.
With England odds-on to win the Ashes, their bowlers head the betting to be leading wicket taker. This might seem a logical way to price up the market, but the leading wicket taker isn’t always on the winning side.
Leading Series’ Wicket Takers
2010-11: England won 3-1
James Anderson 24
Chris Tremlett 17
Mitchell Johnson 15
Graeme Swann 15
2009: England won 2-1
Ben Hilfenhaus 22
Peter Siddle 20
Mitchell Johnson 20
2006-07: Australia won 5-0
Stuart Clark 26
Shane Warne 23
Glenn McGrath 21
2005: England won 2-1
Shane Warne 40
Andrew Flintoff 24
Brett Lee 20
England have won their last two home Ashes series but five of the top six wicket takers played for Australia. The value is therefore backing another Australian and at 20/1, Ryan Harris catches my eye.
The 33-year-old is Australia’s strike bowler taking on average 3.92 wickets per match, with 11 wickets in three Ashes Tests. Although not a certain starter, his ability to swing the ball could get him the nod at Trent Bridge.
In a five match series, it wouldn’t be a disaster if he didn’t play at Nottingham because there is enough time to make up any deficit.
At 20/1 (Ladbrokes) he is worth a small each-way bet with ¼ odds if he is in the top-3 wicket takers.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 21:02 9th Jul, 2013 but subject to change
