Optimism is surging amongst England cricket supporters as punters heavily back the national team to secure a victory in the opening Ashes Test against Australia in Perth.
Betting Markets Show Strong Support for England
According to data from William Hill shared with City AM, a significant three quarters of all result stakes placed on the Perth Test, which begins on Friday, are backing England to take a crucial series lead in Western Australia. This bullish sentiment from bettors highlights the belief in Brendon McCullum's squad.
Despite this confidence in an initial victory, the outlook for the entire series is more divided. William Hill reports that over half (57 per cent) of wagers with the bookmaker are still backing the host nation, Australia, to ultimately win the Ashes. England are seeking their first series triumph on Australian soil since the celebrated 2010-11 campaign.
Historic Odds and Financial Stakes
The scale of the betting interest is substantial. Rival bookmaker Betfair has reported that £350,000 has been wagered on the series winner market already, with a further £170,000 placed specifically on the first Test outcome.
James Mackie, a spokesperson for Betfair Exchange, noted the historic significance of the current odds, stating: "historic odds reveal that Baz McCullum's team are the shortest price they have been for a series win in more than 10 years, last being shorter back in 2013." This positions this England team as the most fancied in over a decade.
Player-Specific Bets and Australian Challenge
Individual players are also attracting attention from the betting public. William Hill indicates that England batter Ollie Pope is a popular choice to be England's top run-scorer, and even the overall top run-scorer for the entire five-Test series.
For Australia, Betfair has Steve Smith at 6/1 to be player of the series, the shortest odds on offer for any individual. The data also presents a sobering possibility for England fans, with odds of 11/4 available on England failing to win a single match during the tour, a stark reminder of the challenge that awaits.
The upcoming schedule sees England travel to Brisbane for a day-night Test at The Gabba after Perth, followed by matches in Adelaide, Melbourne for the Boxing Day Test, and a final match at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
