Thursday 23 June 2016 15:12, UK
Sir Ian Botham is backing Jos Buttler to continue his impressive ODI form in Friday's clash with Sri Lanka at Edgbaston, live on Sky Sports 2HD.
Buttler came to England's rescue in Tuesday's thrilling opening clash at Trent Bridge hitting a brilliant 93.
The wicketkeeper-batsman figured in a crucial stand of 134 with man-of-the-match Chris Woakes (95no) as the hosts recovered from 82-6 to tie the first match in the five-match series courtesy of Liam Plunkett's last-ball six.
But it was Buttler's knock - his fifth score over 48 in his last eight ODI innings - which once again impressed the former England skipper, who tipped the 25-year-old to be England's leading run scorer in the series with Sky Bet at 8/1 before the match.
The Sky Sports commentator said: "England were staring down the barrel but Jos Buttler dug in and took his opportunity with both hands.
"England needed those runs in the middle-order and Buttler and Chris Woakes' partnership was crucial."
With Angelo Mathews an injury doubt for the tourists after suffering a hamstring strain at Nottingham, Botham expects England to improve significantly at Edgbaston but sees no value in backing Eoin Morgan's odds-on shots and instead thinks punters should follow Buttler - one of his Beefy's Bets for Friday's clash.
Botham said: "Joe Root will get runs in the series but I think there is more value in backing Buttler at bigger odds.
"He's a very dangerous player in this format - that's why I picked him as my top bat for the series."
The Sky Bet tipster is also sticking with Yorkshire leg-spinner Adil Rashid as his pick to be England's leading wicket-taker in the match at odds of 7/2.
"Rashid gave very little away on Tuesday. Edgbaston is a bit unpredictable but it can turn and if it does he'll get wickets," he added.
