International Cricket

International cricket evokes great emotion and memories from spectators all around the world. Every cricket enthusiast salivates at the thought of Klusener’s last gasp run-out for South Africa with only 1 run required to beat Australia to reach the World Cup Final in 1999. And who can forgot the famous Third Ashes test at Headingley in 1981 when Ian Botham lead England to an improbable victory against Australia.

When you are considering placing an international cricket bet then look no further than Betfair, the world’s number 1 betting exchange. Betfair offers a fantastic array of international cricket markets at odds at up to 20% better than traditional bookmakers.

International Cricket is divided into Test Match Cricket and One-Day International Cricket (ODI). Test match cricket is played over a maximum of five days. The betting odds on a draw are increased if the match is interrupted by rain as this reduces the possibility of a team being bowled out twice. There are currently 9 countries playing international Test Cricket: Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, West Indies, Bangladesh and England (in addition to Zimbabwe who have recently been stripped of their Test Status). Australia are regarded as the best Test Team in the world and are always worth considering when betting on international cricket. One-Day Internationals are played over a maximum of 50 overs per side and are great entertainment especially for those who enjoy a cricket bet.

International cricket betting has increased exponentially over the last few years and there are two main factors responsible for this. The first is the increase in TV coverage of live cricket particularly Channel 4 and Sky Sports’s live coverage. Secondly, the emergence of live in-play cricket odds means bettors can adjust their position throughout a Test Match or ODI. Betfair always offer the ever popular ‘Match odds’, ‘Innings runs’ and ‘test match ends’ markets in-play on all Test Matches involving England as well as most other Tests broadcast live on TV in the UK.

‘Innings runs’ is always an exciting market to enhance your international cricket betting experience. For example, the Fourth Test between England and the West Indies in 2004 saw the unlikely tail end pairing of Harmison and Hoggard put on over 150 runs against all odds to secure the precious runs. You would be in a very profitable position had you placed a bet on England to win midway through the Innings!

Although ‘Innings runs’ is a popular market, it is Match Odds that attracts the greatest interest in terms of international cricket betting. The Third Test between India and Australia in 2004 attracted a lot of interest as Australia chased a low total in the 2nd innings after being matched as low as 1.07 on Betfair to win the Test. But a combination of a deteriorating wicket, superb bowling by India’s “spin twins” Singh and Kumble and poor Australian shot selection led to Australia finishing short of the set target and a surprise win for India. Some shrewd bettors backed India to win at odds as long as 20 on Betfair.

Betfair offers other international cricket betting markets including who will win the toss, the top batsman for each side, which team’s opening partnership scores the most runs and head-to-heads. For example, in England international cricket matches, will Michael Vaughan score more or less runs than Marcus Trescothick? So take advantage of the great selection of cricket markets and superior cricket odds with Betfair.

Bet on International Cricket

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