England to confirm superiority

SPORTS BETTING: FOR heaven’s sake, anyone would think we had lost the third Test at Emirates Old Trafford instead of getting the draw and retaining the Ashes.

Such negativity is so irritating. We are 2-0 up after three matches, the urn remains in English hands for at least another six months and the Aussies have lost six and drawn one of their last seven Tests.

OK, Australia bossed the latest Test, but they won an important toss and had much the best of the first-innings batting conditions and still couldn’t force a result in four and a bit days.

And before anyone goes on about the Manchester weather, it did actually rain - in other parts of England - over the five days.

Rant over, let’s get down to the serious business of the fourth test, which starts in Durham on Friday.

Australia, for all their effort in Manchester, remain an inferior side and the bookies know it, which is why the hosts are 11-10 favourites to win and the Aussies 7-2, with a draw at 9-4.

England are a good price at a ground which has served them well. Expect them to go 3-0 up and win the series.

Yes, England have one or two misfiring batsmen, but the series as a whole shows Australia generally struggling for runs.



GOLF’S final major of the season, the USPGA Championship, begins at Oak Hill, Rochester, tomorrow, with Tiger Woods the 4-1 favourite to prevail.

The world number one has been mopping up tournaments with regularity this season, but majors have evaded him so his short price is of zero appeal.

Lee Westwood continues to frustrate his followers in majors, but 33-1 is simply too big an each-way price for a guy of his calibre and consistency.

And Gary Woodland, who won on the US Tour at the weekend, could feature at a rather insulting 200-1.



RECOMMENDATIONS: England to win fourth Test, 11-10 (Sky Bet); Lee Westwood, each-way, USPGA Championship, 33-1 (general), Gary Woodland, 200-1, each-way, (bet365).