Should You Bet On The Windies To Win The First Test Of 2020?

Posted: June 18, 2020

Updated: June 18, 2020

West Indies Players Trapped Waiting At Old Trafford
Bet On The Windies To Win The First Test At Bet365
Will Empty Stadiums Nullify Home Field Advantage?

Image source: NAPARAZZI / CC BY-SA via Wikimedia Commons

Every tour has it’s own atmosphere. The dynamic of the team, the mood of the hosts, and even the weather create a different vibe each time. This year, however, is probably going to be unique. Empty stadiums, bio security, and the overshadowing situation in America will all combine to make for a wholly unique 3 match series. And unique always means less than predictable. So, does that mean those who like to bet on sports in the UK should hit up Bet365 to bet on the Windies to win the first test? We take a look. “Once we get stuck into them we stand a great chance of beating England.” Kemar Roach promised. He may not be idly boasting either. You really might want to consider a bet on the Windies to win the first Test. This isn’t going to be your run of the mill three series tour. The public health situation in the UK requires the visitors to undergo a two-week quarantine. Those two weeks will leave them itching to play. England may find the resulting concentration harder to beat. “For sure it will feel weird playing in front of empty stadiums in England.” Said Kraigg Brathwaite with mild good humour. “But I am accustomed to it from playing first class cricket in the Caribbean.” He smiles. “Maybe because of the restrictions some of the guys will have a little more focus.” And they may. So hitting up online sportsbook sites in the UK like Bet365 to bet on the windies to win the first test, isn’t crazy. Their records don’t matter. This is going to be a whole new ball game.

Take a look at the bet365 odds

England Favorites To Send Visitors Packing

Sure, in any other circumstance you’d plump for England over the West Indies. In recent years the issues behind the scenes in Cricket have created issues for every team. The Windies more than most. Playing at home England would be easy favorites. A bet on the Windies to win the first Test a matter of hope over common sense. But with the Barmy Army support gone, and their pace attack up to speed, the West Indies could win this. England will have a proper fight on their hands.

First 2020 Test Odds

West Indies – 14/1

Draw – 9/1

England – 1/9

Naturally, that bet on the Windies to win the first Test will still be a tad risky. Their bowling attack might be dangerous, but their batting could be lacking. Darren Bravo and Shimron Hetmyer not making the trip leaves a hole they’ll have a hard time filling. Indeed, it’ll be interesting to see if missing two great batsmen or your home fans is worse. Anyone in the UK gambling laws of common sense mean it must be the former could well need to think again.

Bet On The Windies To Win The First Test At Bet365

It’s long been noted that winning a test match, let alone a series of them, away from home is difficult. Home field advantage really means something over five days of play. It cannot be underestimated how much of a challenge this might be for England. A bet on the Windies to win the first Test could thus be entirely sensible. As West Indies coach Phil Simmons told the press; “We will miss the atmosphere of a crowd, [but] we do play more often than most in empty stadiums in the UAE.”

England vs West Indies

Date: Wednesday, July 8th, 2020

Type: International Test Match

Venue: The Ageas Bowl

Location: Southampton, UK

Bio-Security Regime In Effect

So, does all this mean you should bet on the Windies to win the first Test? The bookies don’t really think so. Online betting sites in the UK like Bet365 are giving England 1/9 to dismiss the visitors in the first game. Does a draw barely get 9/1 and the West Indies? Well with that hole in their backing attack, they get a scant 14/1 to win. Which, of course, makes them a great little wager because England collapsing against a team they should easily beat is almost traditional these days.

Click here to visit the bet365 Sportsbook

We take a look at why a bet on the Windies to win the first Test at Bet365 is probably quite a smart idea despite, or perhaps because of, the odds on offer.