Recommended Bets
888sport 7/2 Australia to win the ICC Champions Trophy (sign up for a 888sport free bet)
Ladbrokes 5/2 Joe Root to be top tournament batsman (sign up for a Ladbrokes free bet)
William Hill 12/1 Imran Tahir to be the top tournament bowler (sign up for a William Hill free bet)
Taking place in the home of cricket this season, bookmakers are naturally placing England as favourites to lift the ICC Champions Trophy, but with plenty of world class teams in the competition, it could be anyone’s game.
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We take a look at the contenders for tournament…
England
The World Cup wasn’t exactly successful for the England side but they’ve transformed themselves into a truly world class one day side. Eoin Morgan has revolutionised the side as captain and have won 63% of games since the tournament.
The side have already stormed to victory in their first game against Bangladesh with Joe Root – favourite to be top tournament batsman at 5/2 with Ladbrokes – scoring over a century, securing an eight wicket win.
It was a fine day for the Three Lions with Alex Hales and Morgan also chipping in with 95 and 75* respectively.
The country are of course tipped to win in their own back yard, although bowling could be an issue against the top sides with Ben Stokes’ knee injury topping the list of worries.
Australia
The Aussies are the most successful side in the Champions Trophy alongside India with two titles to their name. Their last came back in 2009 and they’ll be vying to pick up another under captain Steve Smith.
They’re the current world champions and at 7/2 with 888sport they are well among the favourites. A tough group in with England and New Zealand could make it tricky but they should get through it, and with one of the top one day batsman in the world in David Warner, runs won’t fall short.
With the ball they have some top-class seamers with Mitchell Starc a good prospect to take the most wickets at 10/1.
South Africa
On paper it’s South Africa’s tournament for the taking. They have the best batsman in the world and two of the best bowlers according to the rankings, not to mention being the top of the ICC ODI rankings when it comes to top side.
However, the nation find themselves at 7/3 with Ladbrokes and probably the best punt of the bunch. They’ll face India in the group stage on June 11, but should have enough to beat both Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Should they get through the group, Imran Tahir to take the top tournament bowler at 12/1 looks a solid bet.
India
With Group A such a tough ask, looking to India in Group B for the ICC Champions Trophy winner could be a sensible option at 9/2 with most UK bookmakers.
The sub-continent side are defending champions and have one of the best batsmen in the game in Virat Kohli. He’ll be key to any success they have this summer, especially in their first tie against Pakistan on June 4 at Edgbaston.
With plenty of pace in the side as well as being one of the best death bowling outfits in the game, but it could be spin that could be the difference.
Ravindra Jadeja is building a reputation as one of the best spinners in the world at the moment, and combined with his ability with the bat and in the field make him a real key man.
