Ladbrokes: Ashes win smashed bookies. England 8/1 to be top-ranked test sideat some point in 2011

Story by Sarah Preece on 2011-01-06 13:46:15

ENGLAND'S imminent Ashes series win will trigger Ladbrokes' single biggest payout in cricket betting history.

A £250,000 bet was struck at odds of 7/4 on the eve of the series about an England win - and with a tide of patriotic punts about to return millions to punters, the bookies are hoping for better fortune in 2011.

Alex Donohue of Ladbrokes said: "The 3-1 series win was our worst nightmare. Pretty much every market we've offered has gone the way of the punters. 2011 can only get better for us."

England are now 10/11 (from 6/5) to beat the number one ranked test side India this summer at home, and 5/1 for the 2011 ODI World Cup. Andrew Strauss's team are 8/1 to displace India as the top-ranked test side at some point this year.

"England look irresistable and if their form continues into the Summer, they could find themselves on top of the world" added Donohue.

Ladbrokes latest betting

England v India

Series winner

• England - 10/11
• Draw - 11/4
• India - 9/4

2011 ODI World Cup

• India - 7/2
• Australia - 4/1
• Sri Lanka - 4/1
• England - 5/1
• South Africa - 6/1
• Pakistan - 8/1