England v South Africa Third ODI Betting
England and South Africa will meet for the third out of five ODI matches at the Oval on Friday August 31 in a day-night contest. This could be the first chance for either of the sides to wrap up the series which will see some interesting odds in the series winner market. However, the series could also be dead even which makes the third match all the more important.
England v South Africa third ODI betting should provide a lot of value for the punter because the last ODI series between the sides (which England won 3-2 in South Africa) showed how evenly matched these teams are when it comes to the 50 over format of the game.
England v South Africa Betting
The last match England played at the Oval in the 50 over format of the game was a relatively low scoring affair against India. India batted first and posted 234 in their 50 overs before England reached 218-7, winning via the Duckworth-Lewis method. This suggests that the more refined England v South Africa betting markets will be where the most value can be found for the third ODI.
England and South Africa both have very strong bowling attacks with a lot of pace from the quick bowlers and plenty of skill from the spinners. The fact the scores were not majorly high in the last ODI at the Oval suggests that the best bets will be in the top bowler and predicting the team totals markets.
England v South Africa betting will also be curbed by what has happened in the first two matches of the series. A batsman or bowler from either side may have emerged as clearly the most in form player for their country. This will lead to their odds being slashed for the top run scorer or top wicket taker in the entire series.
Experience in Cricket
Experience in cricket will count for everything in this third game for a variety of reasons. This is a day-night game in England which tends to suggest that the English bowlers will know the conditions better than their South African colleagues. Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, Tim Bresnan, James Anderson and many more will all have a big say in restricting the South African total.
South Africa have some players who are the very definition of experience in cricket, similar to India during the 2011 tour of England. The likes of Jacques Kallis and Dale Steyn will be very important on the bowling front and there could be some good odds available for the likes of Vernon Philander to finish as top bowler for the third match as he doesn't have extensive experience of English conditions.
Third ODI Betting Markets
Third ODI betting markets are best approached live as the match is going on. The Oval is traditionally a pitch that offers value to the bowlers who are disciplined and the batsmen who can take advantage of poor examples of this discipline. Dew is not a massive factor under the lights for ODI matches in England but the dryness causing reverse swing at night can be a big factor.
The best third ODI betting markets are going to be the markets where an individual can dominate. There are some talented players on both sides that may have long odds to finish as the best player for the match based on what has happened in the first two matches.