Tri-Series: Beefy backs England to make winning start

Sir Ian Botham is tipping 7/4 shots England to win their opening Carlton Tri-Series match against Australia in Sydney on Friday.

England have impressed in their two warm-up matches against an Invitational XI and a Prime Minister's XI, but the serious preparations for next month's World Cup begin with the first of four ODI matches against Australia and India.

The Sky Sports cricket commentator said: "I've been encouraged by England's form ahead of this match but Australia are strong favourites and have a terrific record in this format.

"England's batsmen look to be in good nick and they are the value bet for me."

The Sky Bet tipster has singled out the in-form David Warner as the dangerman for Australia and he is the 3/1 favourite to be the top batsman for the hosts.

Botham said: "Warner is very dangerous. He'll be really pumped up for this match and England need to get him early."

Ian Bell has made a blistering start to the tour, including 187 in Wednesday's victory over the Prime Minister's XI, but Botham is backing 9/2 shot Joe Root to continue where he left off on the tour of Sri Lanka.

He added: "Bell and Moeen Ali are the men in form but I'm sticking with Joe Root. He had a brilliant tour of Sri Lanka and has proved himself a key part of this England team."

Australia are odds-on favourites to win the series from India, with England 4/1 outsiders with Sky Bet.

Beefy's Bets

Australia v England, 1st Tri-Series 

England win - 7/4

England top batsman Joe Root - 9/2

Australia top batsman David Warner - 3/1

David Warner and Joe Root most runs double - 22/1

England top bowler Stuart Broad - 3/1

Australia top bowler Xavier Doherty - 9/2

Man-of-the-match Moeen Ali - 12/1

Series Bets

Australia win outright - 5/6

England top series batsman Joe Root - 7/2

India top series batsman Virat Kohli - 9/4

Australia top series batsman David Warner - 5/2

Warner, Kohli, Root series treble - 50/1