The third cricket test between England and Sri Lanka looks to be heading for a draw unless someone can spring an outstanding performance or two. With a lot of time lost due to bad weather, and Sri Lanka 177 for 9 after two days of play, there is precious little time left to force an outright win. Bookmakers have the draw at 10/11 – that’s good value considering the state of the match.

Can England win from here? As a punter, that’s the question you need to ask. Whether or not the weather plays a bigger hand is also important. If England can wrap up the Sri Lankan innings quickly, then spend day 3 and 4 amassing a big first inning is the key. Having a 300-run lead with one day to play will put a lot of pressure on Sri Lanka, pressure they haven’t been able to deal with this series.

Online bookmakers have England at 11/8 to win, and if the weather improves, could also be worth some thought. Sri Lanka look to be out of this game and, at 33/1, only the brave would back them. Still, this is cricket and if their spinners get into the top order batsmen, anything could happen.

In series betting, England are at 1/8 to win the series 1-0 and 7/5 to win 2-0. You can get 6/1 for a 1-1 drawn series, however, in order to achieve that, Sri Lanka have to win this last test – their odds of 33/1 are much better than the 6/1 on offer for a drawn series.

Our tip – this match looks to be heading for a draw with England then winning the series 1-0. The odds aren’t flash, but then sometimes you have to take the short odds. Either that or keep your wallet firmly in your pocket.