We were in day four of the second Test at Old Trafford and cricket betting fans who, 24 before, had again thrown up their hands in frustration at the lamentable performance of the upper England batting order are now gaping at their plasmas in bewilderment as the home team edged their way to a victory which defies all comprehension.

New Zealand’s first innings was predictable fare with their batsmen knocking our ineffectual bowlers all over the place to build a respectable total of 381 on what was a difficult wicket very much favouring swing and spin. With the welcome exception of a Strauss revival, England then delivered on their usual commitment to abject failure, slinking back to the pavilion with a mere 202 runs on the board. In comes New Zealand to deliver the expected second innings death blow only to meet, wonder of wonders, a rampant Monty Panesar who proceeds to strew five of the top six of their strike crew right and left and knock the lot out for pathetic 114.

England batsmen then come back in for their second innings and gradually reveal that they have condescended to actually make an effort and score a few runs. The more cynical among sports betting fans might conclude that this new found enthusiasm to earn their pay results from concerns about keeping their jobs. These days the selectors are less inclined to regard team places as sacred. Strauss reasserts his return to form and makes 106 while Vaughn continues to offer reliable support. A solid batting performance ensues to produce a comfortable win for England. Joyous as this is, online betting buffs must wonder why it is such a rare event that England teams make the decision to go out there and do the business.