Max-imum value

SPORTS BETTING: 

ONE swallow does not make a summer, but it would be wrong to treat England’s demolition of India as a flash in the pan.

Our one-day cricketers have been pretty abject in the last 12 months, but there were signs of better things to come during the recent series in Sri Lanka and yesterday’s nine-wicket romp suggests even more progress is being made. England were pretty much at the top of their game in all departments.

The return from injury of James Anderson proved pivotal, with the king of swing taking four wickets.

But it was Steven Finn who took the main plaudits with five wickets gained through the extra bounce offered by his height. He will be crucial to England’s World Cup campaign.

Factor-in excellent batting from Ian Bell and James Taylor, plus some quite outstanding catches, and it was a complete performance from England.

The trick now is to repeat or better that display in the early hours of Friday, when England take on Australia in their third match of the current Tri Series in Hobart.

Eoin Morgan’s men are 13-8 to prevail and that’s not a bad price given the hosts will be without the suspended David Warner and George Bailey.

For betting purposes I like the look of Australia’s Glenn Maxwell to be his side’s top batsman.

Australia’s top order will be exposed to England’s two in-form pace bowlers and that could leave the way clear for a middle-order player to shine.

Maxwell, who made a century against England in one of the tourists’ warm-up games, is clearly in form and 10-1 looks a huge price.

RECOMMENDATION: Glenn Maxwell to be top Australia batsman in Tri Series match against England on Friday, 10-1 (Ladbrokes).