England vs. Ireland 1st ODI Tips: Two predictions for Headingley clash
We are a few weeks away from the Cricket World Cup getting under way in India and England will continue their preparations for the tournament with a three-match series with neighbours Ireland and the first of those clashes will come in the shape of a day-night game at Headingley on Wednesday.
It's a rather different look to the England squad than what will be getting on the plane for India with Zak Crawley leading the troops, but they will still have a strong outfit lining up against Ireland and our man Steve Chambers picks out his two best bets for the game here...
England v Ireland 1st ODI Odds
Zak Crawley - Top England Batsman @ 3/1
Joe Root will be desperate to find some good one-day form ahead of the Cricket World Cup and there's no shock to see him heading the betting to be top England batsman on Wednesday, but it's wise to stick with opener Zak Crawley, who can thrive with the captaincy and help England post a big score.
Rain is likely to hit Yorkshire during this event and there could be the likelihood of a shortened game at Headingley, so it's wise to stick with those at the top of the order and Crawley showed with some brilliant innings during The Ashes that he's been in decent form this season, and he could dominate a meagre Irish bowling line-up.
At times during the summer he was smashing the likes of Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc to all parts, so if the Kent opener can continue in the same fashion then he could well rack up the runs, and while he's not made the main squad for the Cricket World Cup, he could be seen as a possible replacement - should there be any injuries - and in light of Jason Roy's exemption from the squad.
Paul Stirling - Top Ireland Batsman @ 16/5
Averaging over 38 in one-day internationals during his career, Paul Stirling has been a mainstay of the Irish top order for 15 years now and he continues to try and be the man to get the Irish off to a flying start at the top of the innings and at 16/5 he can top score for the visitors. Most of his big runs may have come against relative minnows on the world cricket stage, but he has been prolific for Middlesex down the years in the county sphere and with the urge to go for openers he's the man to side with.
England have significant strength in depth in their bowling attack, but it could be a lot weaker attack than what England will take to India for the World Cup and Stirling can make the most of that and fly out of the traps and look to get the visitors out the gates quick. Harry Tector is favourite in this market and he's played well for Gloucestershire this season in the shorter format, but Stirling is a real solid option and is the man to back in what is likely to be a rain-affected day.
Win A Shirt Of Your Choice!
Sign up to the FREE BettingOdds.com email to receive the latest betting previews, odds and insights from our team of top tipsters and be entered into a competition to win a football shirt of your choice. T&C's apply.
