6/1 West Indies the value bet

First Test & series winner markets
England start the first Test against West Indies at Lord's as strong favourites to win both the match, and the series. Following their dominant tour of the Caribbean, it comes as no surprise that they are valued at just 1/1 to win the Lord's opener, and 1/3 on to come out on top in the series overall.

With neither of these representing attractive opportunities, it maybe that the value bet lies with West Indies at 9/2 for the match, and a tempting 6/1 for the series victory. For the less decisive gambler a series draw is offered at 4/1, while it's 13/10 for the draw.

Man of the Match market
England are deservedly hot favourites, having recently beaten West Indies 3-0 on their home patch, however it would be hasty to assume that this series represents a continuation of the Caribbean tour. The skiddy Fidel Edwards and all action Tino Best may enjoy bowling on some of England's seamer-friendly wickets. Edwards looks like good value at 14/1 to win the Man of the Match award at Lord's, with Best at a generous 18/1. Brian Lara is rated as favourite to pick up the award at 13/2, with the red hot Steve Harmison close behind him at 8/1.

From the England batting line up, Marcus Trescothick, Micheal Vaughan and Andrew Flintoff are all ranked together at 8/1. Of these three Vaughan is due some runs, and will be hungry for success, looking to prove he can score runs and hold the captaincy simultaneously. It is noteworthy that Flintoff's bowling will be limited by a niggling foot injury, making this price less attractive than on face value.

Top run-scorer market
Andrew Strauss returns to play on his home ground with his maiden Test century still fresh in his (and our) minds from his debut here against New Zealand earlier this summer. At 9/2 he should not be overlooked as a potential leading runscorer in England's first innings. With his bowling capabilities limited, Flintoff will be keen to justify his selection as a batsman, and 11/2 is a reasonable price for him to be England's topscorer in the first innings. This market is particularly open, so perhaps Geraint Jones is worth a look at 12/1.

In the equivalent West Indian market it is always tough to look past Lara, priced at a very short 9/4. Nevertheless, Chris Gayle always has the ability to make a big score and may be a decent bet at 4/1. Shivnarine Chanderpaul has had more experience than most of his team-mates on the slower English wickets, and averages an impressive 41.4 in Test matches played in England. At 5/1 he looks like the value bet to top-score for the Windies.