Strauss & Cook odds-on to break Hobbs/Sutcliffe opening record. Pakistan 9/2 to level Test series

Story by Sarah Preece on 2010-08-21 18:11:14

PAKISTAN are 9/2 to beat England at Lord`s and square the test series, according to Ladbrokes.

The tourists survived a wobble before securing victory at The Oval - but England remain the 8/11 favourites to win at HQ. The draw is 2/1. England are 1/8 to secure a series win heading into the final match.

England openers Andrew Strauss and Alistair Cook are on the brink of becoming England`s most prolific opening partnership with just 54 more runs required to pass Hobbs and Sutcliffe who amassed 3249 runs in the 1920s.

Ladbrokes make it 6/4 that Strauss and Cook notch the runs in the 1st innings at Lord`s and 1/2 that they break the record at some point in either innings.

Spokesman David Williams said: "Cook`s return to form and Strauss`s return to his home patch ought to see the openers set the record, but they may have to be patient."

Ladbrokes latest betting:

4th test at Lord`s (starts Thursday):

• 8/11 England
• 9/2 Pakistan
• 2/1 Draw

Series Result

• 1/8 England
• 9/2 Draw

A Strauss and A Cook to become the Highest overall opening partnership for England :

In the 1st innings at Lord`s against Pakistan:

• Yes 6/4
• No 1/2

During the match at Lord`s against Pakistan

• Yes 1/2
• No 6/4