Big Kev and the Palace conundrum

By Rob Virtue on August 6, 2008 1:01 AM |

Tagged with:

The Wizard is on holiday this week but he’s waved his wand and conjured up a standby. Michael Sharp, the Sorcerer of Stakes, gives us his magic tips.

IT’S all change at the top for the England cricket team, with Michael Vaughan and Paul Collingwood standing down as skippers of the Test and one day sides respectively.

Star batsman Kevin Pietersen will now lead our boys into the fourth test against South Africa, the country of his birth.

Pietersen is a class player, there is no doubt about it, and all we can do is hope it does not affect his batting.

With the series gone England’s hopes of winning this test, and restoring some pride, rest with KP and Freddie Flintoff.

Pietersen has been full of runs this summer and now with the added responsibility of captain I expect him to raise his game yet again. Take him to be top England batsmen at 3/1.

If the weather holds off this could be a great game of cricket.

Football returns this Saturday with the start of the Championship.

Crystal Palace to beat Watford is the one that stands out. Watford have been struggling in pre-season while Neil Warnock’s men are on fire.

As a Millwall fan it is hard to tip Palace but the 11/10 on offer is not to be missed.

On the golf course our tip, Henrik Stenson, started badly last week in the WGC championship, shooting a three over par 73 in the first round. But he improved to shoot 70, 68, 67 to finish tied 16th.

It’s now all systems go for the last major of the season, the USPGA Championship from Oakland Hills, Michigan.

I know I tipped him last week but he can win a major and at 40/1 I am going for the Swede again.
Running Total +£175

Recommended bets
£15 win – Kevin Pietersen as top England batsman 4th test @ 3/1
£25 – Crystal Palace to beat Watford @ 11/10
The Wizard will be back next week.