Monty can cash in to the full

SPORTS BETTING:

ENGLAND’S Test batsman have some wrongs to put right in the next few weeks.

Players who totally dominated against weak Australian and Indian attacks in 2011 were ruthlessly exposed by Pakistan’s spinners in the recent series in Duabi and Abu Dhabi.

England’s much-vaunted batting line-up can start to repair the damage during the two-Test series against Sri Lanka which starts in Galle next Monday.

Slow, turning tracks are a feature of the sub-continent so England are sure to be give another trial by spin and it is one they must pass with flying colours.

I expect bat to dominate ball in this series and feel the draw, at 2-1, is a major possibility.

England are little value at 11-8, while Sri Lanka are simply not potent enough to be supported despite tempting odds of 13-5.

For England’s top batsman, look no further than Alastair Cook, who continues to gather runs in voracious fashion. At a very fair 11-4, he is the confident selection.

For top bowler, I like the rejuvenated Panesar, who outbowled Graeme Swann in Dubai and can do so again.

With the spinners likely to be employed for much of the time, he is well worth a few pounds at 3-1.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Alastair Cook to be top England run scorer, 11-4 (general); Monty Panesar to be leading England wicket-taker, 3-1 (William Hill).