Those who followed the advice of my colleague, Matt Finnegan, prior to the First Test will be happy with England's victory inside three days of actual play. England are now 6/5 favourites for a quick repeat and a fifth successive Test Series win.

It is difficult to see the Pakistanis getting into the Second Test in Manchester. They were woefully under-prepared (and cold) at Lord's. With the younger players inexperienced at playing on English tracks, Pakistan would perhaps have stood a better chance in a Three or Five Test Series.

Back England to win the second test at 6/5 – after checking the weather forecast first.

The draw is as short as 5/4 due to doubts about the weather. Old Trafford is one of the wettest grounds in the country (something that usually counts against backing Lancashire for the Championship), and only one one-day game has taken place there so far this summer.

Pakistan are 7/2 to win – which would normally be an insult to some quality performers. Younis Khan might represent some value at 4/1 to be their first innings top scorer. For England, Michael Vaughan is in the form of his life, and is priced at 5-1 to be top scorer in England's first innings.

Looking further ahead

The long-awaited Ashes Series draws ever nearer. Let's hope poor weather doesn't scupper a contest that could define this English summer.

England have real momentum going into the Ashes – and can be backed to hold the mighty Australians 2-2 in the series – priced at 6/1.

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