The long awaited test cricket series between India and England gets underway tomorrow with England hopeful of wrestling the number one crown from the visitors. On form, the two sides look to be evenly matched. However, if there is any swing in the air, then you can expect the English bowlers to be the major difference between the two.

Cricket betting has England a pronounced favourite in the best of four series with 5/4 about the best you can expect at this stage of the tournament. India are 11/4 to take the series while the drawn series is at 5/2. England need to win by more than two tests to take that world number one ranking. In pick the score betting, the 1-1 drawn series is favourite at 5/1, England winning 2-1 is 6/1 and England winning 2-0 7/1. The remaining options are at 8/1 or longer.

In the first test, the draw is a pronounced favourite with some bookmakers betting well into the red at 7/10. The best odds to be found are around the 5/6 mark. An England win is second pick at 11/5 and an Indian victory as long as 9/2.

This is a tough test series to pick since the fickle weather may well play a big part. England have a good batting lineup when they are on-song – the top six being amongst the best in the world. India have three very strong players, but not quite the depth of England. The English bowlers should be able to get on top, especially if they get to bowl first.

We’re tipping England to win 2-0 and to take over the world number one crown from India.