The English cricket team have gone from the sublime to the ridiculous in their quest to add the ICC One Day World Cup to their Twenty/20 trophy. Last weekend, we witnessed one of the most thrilling ties in a one-day game – made more thrilling because it was against India, the hosts, and the fact that over 650 runs were scored to achieve that tie – that was the sublime.

Yesterday, England suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of Ireland – and the green army are still celebrating. England’s fielding once again let them down – dropped catches, poor bowling, and general field blunders. If England want to continue in the series, then hopefully they have got them all out of their system and can start to play some good cricket.

If you’re a betting person, and I assume you are since you are here reading these articles, then I suggest you prepare for some more surprises. This world cup is proving to be a high scoring one with bowlers from most countries really struggling to get any supremacy.

Current betting still has India as favourites at a tad under 3/1 from South Africa at 9/2 and Sri Lanka who are easing in the betting and out to 11/2. Australia are next best and steady at 6/1. England have slipped right out of betting contention and are now at 12/1 – the longest price of the top teams competing.

South Africa appear to be the team to beat. They are consistent and they are winning games. India will be hard to beat at home, however, their bowling may be their undoing. The same can be said for Australia, the current title holders. They look a little brittle playing brilliantly one day then scraping home the next. Our tip – South Africa’s betting odds still represent good value and so get our nod.