Cricket Betting: England Drift Following KP Blow

Cricket Betting: England Drift Following KP Blow

Kevin Pietersen (left) is out of the final Test and the bookmakers have reacted accordingly

©REUTERS / Action Images

New Zealand have been cut to win the third test according to Ladbrokes.

Following the news that Kevin Pietersen is to miss the match the bookmakers report an upturn in stakes for the home side to defy the cricket betting odds, resulting in their price shortening to 11/2 from 6/1.

England subsequently ease to 8/13 (from 4/7) leaving the draw, the best backed outcome to date, a 9/4 chance.

The defection of Pietersen has also prompted a reshuffle in the top England batsman betting. Alastair Cook heads the market at 3/1 while Ian Bell and Nick Compton are trimmed to 9/2 each.

Alex Donohue of Ladbrokes said: "England are on the drift following the KP news. We've seen plenty of early money for another draw while many are also keen to take a punt on the home side at a big price."

Ladbrokes latest betting

New Zealand - England 3rd test
England 8/13
Draw 9/4
New Zealand 11/2

Top England batsman
Cook 3/1
Trott 7/2
Bell 9/2
Compton 9/2
Root 7/1
Bairstow 8/1
50/1 bar