Of course, for England to get competitive this week, they’ll have to take some catches. In the 1st Test they put down no fewer than 7 chances, which was totally out of character, so a repeat performance is highly unlikely.

The top of the batting order will also have to fire, but the key to success could be the performance of Steve Harmison. The recent spell of bad weather in the Birmingham area must have made it hard for the ground staff to prepare the surface, and it’s hard to see it being anything other than seamer friendly. That could play into the hands of Harmison who, if he can keep the ball on a good length, could take the Aussies apart.

His height and bounce allied with pace makes him unplayable at times, and a ‘Man of the Match’ performance is not out of the question. So, on a result wicket and a ground that plays to their strengths, England look too big a price to level the series, especially as the decent weather forecast all but rules out a draw. Indeed England’s last five defeats - stretching back to the end of 2002 - have all been followed by wins.

2nd Test Picks:
England To Win The Match @ 9/2
Steve Harmison Man of the Match @ 10/1
Kevin Pietersen Top Team 1st Inns Batsman @ 7/2

GOLF
*****
GARCIA IS THE INTERNATIONAL PICK
Th Aug 4 – 21.00 BST (SS2)
Fr Aug 5 – 21.00 BST (SS2)
Sa Aug 6 – 20.00 BST (SS3)
Su Aug 7 – 20.00 BST (SS2)

This is the week of the US Tour season when players can crack their drives around 400 yards due to the high altitude of the course at Castle Pines in Colorado. And experience of the unusual conditions has been essential for success in the past. Phil Mickelson, six times in the top 16 since 1996, is favourite to win, but he’s not been in the same form recently as he was at the start of the year and can be swerved at 9/1. Instead, we’ll go for Sergio Garcia at 12/1 (another consistent performer here with four top-20’s in five years), in the hope that he can pick up as he left off at the Open Championship, where a tie for fifth was his third top-five in four starts. His aggressive style of play will certainly be rewarded by the Stapleford scoring system in operation this week (an eagle is worth five points and a birdie two points). Stuart Appleby is another who has shown a liking for the course (runner up in 1997 and third in 2000), while the final vote goes to past winner Tom Pernice at 80/1 (each-way ¼ odds 1.2.3.4.5). Live In-Play betting will be available throughout.

International Picks: Sergio Garcia @ 12/1; Stuart Appleby @ 50/1; Tiger Woods @ 2/1

HORSE RACING
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MULLINS BAY ON THE UP
Sa Aug 6
Mullins Bay, fresh from landing a gamble (and our pick!) in the John Smith’s Cup last month, can continue on an upward curve by winning this weekend’s Rose of Lancaster Stakes at Haydock (2.15). Judged on an earlier run at York, Aidan O’Brien’s runner was something of a handicap snip on his return to the track, and he duly won going away by three lengths. Unraced as a two-year-old, the half brother to the useful Stagecraft is now rewarding the patience of his connections and he looks capable of better still. The extra distance of Saturday’s race should be ideal, and he should take all the beating under Kieran Fallon, who did us a big favour when landing the Stewards Cup on Gift Horse last Saturday (recommended ante post at 8/1).

Rose of Lancaster Stakes Pick: Mullins Bay

CROSSPEACE SET FOR ANOTHER PAYDAY
Sa Aug 6
Trainer Mark Johnston has entered his progressive Crosspeace in the same race as Mullins Bay, which is an indication of the regards he must hold for the horse. Chances are though he’ll go for easier pickings in the ten-furlong handicap on the same card (2.45), and he should not be missed. His neck second in the mile handicap at Goodwood last week, where he was putting in all his best work at the finish, strongly suggested that a step up to Saturdays trip was just what’s required to see him return to the winners’ enclosure. The only worry would be if the ground dried out, but on good ground he looks a sold bet to provide us with another good payday.

totesport Stakes Pick: Crosspeace

FOOTBALL
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WOLVES LOOK SOLID GOLD
Sa Aug 6 – 5.15 pm BST (SS1)
This season’s Championship looks as wide open as last year’s, with several teams in contention for the title. The three relegated sides are all high up in the betting but don’t look well-equipped to bounce straight back as title winners. Southampton, in particular, have shed several players and may need a season or two at this level to rebuild.

Instead, we’ll go for teams that have had a season to adjust to disappointment and who started building last year and, of the single figure quotes, Wolves make the most appeal at 6/1. They have had a good pre-season and, in Jackie McNamara, Glen Hoddle might have found just the type of player who can turn last season’s draws into wins.

Following their near miss in the playoffs last season, Derby could be also worth an interest at 20/1. Despite interest from other clubs, new boss Phil Brown has managed to keep last season’s squad relatively intact, including Polish international Grzegorz Rasiak who, after 16 goals last term, could also be an each way bet for the Leading Goalscorer at 16/1.

In League 1, Doncaster could be the dark horses at 16/1 (5/1 to gain promotion), after some big money signings. Their home form (just four losses last term) will again be the key to success, and they will have learnt a lot from a season of consolidation. In League 2, Boston look a great each way bet at 16/1, after signing recent Premiership players Julian Joachim and Noel Whelan.

Ante Post Picks:
Championship: Wolves @ 6/1; Derby @ 16/1
Championship Leading Goalscorer @ 16/1
League 1: Doncaster @ 16/1 (5/1 for promotion)
League 2: Boston @ 16/1

BLADES TO CUT DOWN LEICESTER
The pick of the Championship games this weekend sees the start of a make or break season for the Blades and their boss Neil Warnock. They should at least get off to a winning start against a moderate Leicester side who have added little to their ranks over the summer. Wolves face a tricky opener at St Mary’s, but should come way with a point, while on Sunday Leeds can get their season off to a flyer against a Millwall side who look to be in disarray. In the Community Shield, Chelsea should have too many big guns for Arsenal, whose performance in the recent Amsterdam tournament may have left them unprepared for this clash. Best Weekend Bets: Chelsea to beat Arsenal @ 6/5 Sheffield United to beat Leicester @ Evens Wolves to draw @ 9/4 Leeds to beat Millwall @ 8/13 Get in the game and be lucky! Nigel. Please be aware that prices are subject to change. All times are subject to change. Check local listings for TV coverage on these events NIGEL RIDGWAY, an experienced punter and betting shop owner of many years, believes that “The key to successful gambling is getting value for money.” Nigel was once forced by local bookmakers, to stop writing a tipping column in a UK newspaper, because he was costing them a fortune. Find out what offers and lines are hot at bet365.com