Oval draw slashed as rain disruption looms

PUNTERS expect the rain to disrupt the first Test between England and South Africa, which starts on Thursday at The Oval, and the draw was well backed on Tuesday, with no firms offering bigger than bet365’s 5-4 about a stalemate.

England are out to 15-8 to win the first Test with South Africa, whose warm-up games against Somerset and Kent were affected by the weather, 3-1 for victory.

Hills expect bowlers to enjoy conditions at The Oval and the firm make Dale Steyn 8-1 favourite to be named man of the match in the first Test. James Anderson is a 10-1 chance with fellow England paceman Stuart Broad at 14-1.

Read Thursday's Racing Post for James Milton's England v South Africa series and first Test verdicts and full betting package including the views of Michael Holding