Colly for jolly good show

Split your stakes on Kevin Pietersen and Paul Collingwood top-scoring for England in their second innings against Australia in Cardiff.

The pair combined well in the first innings of the first Test, putting on 138 for the fourth wicket, and a repeat show could be on the cards as their team, in all likelihood, battle to save the match.

Pietersen played a poor shot when dismissed on Wednesday, but he still top-scored with 69 and, when the chips are down, is the right man to have in your corner. Paddy Power and William Hill make him 100-30 to top-score second time round and that looks fair.

Collingwood is always underestimated by the bookies, but the Durham all-rounder has a good record against the Aussies and was going great guns when caught at the wicket for 64 first time up. He is quoted at 7-1 by Hills and warrants a punt at that price.

Andrew Strauss (7-2) commands respect, but the Essex pair of Ali Cook and Ravi Bopara (both 4-1) will need to raise their game.

Meanwhile, Australia are a best-priced 2-1 to win after nudging into the lead approaching tea on the third day with six wickets in hand. The draw is no bigger than 4-9, with England out to 50-1.

With plenty of wet weather forecast for Saturday and the pitch not deteriorating, a stalemate does look likely.