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Aussie bookies make England Ashes favourites
Australia's bookmakers showed no room for patriotism on Tuesday (July 21), installing England as favourites for the Ashes following the home side's historic win over Ricky Ponting's men at Lord's.
Australia's bookmakers showed no room for patriotism Tuesday, installing England as favourites for the Ashes following the home side's historic win over Ricky Ponting's men at Lord's.
Online bookmaker Centrebet offered 2.00 dollars for each dollar bet on an England series win after they went 1-0 up in the five-Test series, while Australia's odds blew out from 2.50 to 3.75.
Centrebet spokesman Neil Evans said England's first Lord's Test win against Australia in 75 years had come as a shock to its customers, resulting in a surge of money backing the much-maligned "Poms."
However, he said many believed Australia could bounce back and win the Third Test at Edgbaston, provided changes were made to the team.
"The clock will now be ticking on seam bowler Stuart Clark's return, and the race to get paceman Brett Lee fit and ready for the Edgbaston Test," he said.
Other online bookies were similarly pessimistic about Australia's chances of claiming the series, with sportingbet paying 2.05 for an England win, 3.25 for a draw and 3.50 for Australia.
Betfair Australia had England at 2.16, Australia at 3.75 and a draw at 3.55.
