The Stanford Super Series dash for cash is nearly upon us and it only seems appropriate that punters try and make money from the event. The Superstars and England are well-matched, currently trading at 2.14 and 1.86 respectively and this match is one to keep an eye on in-play.

Things can change quickly in cricket matches, particularly in Twenty20, so punters should not be deterred by one side taking apparent unassailable control. Both teams have big hitters all the way down their order and virtually any target can stay within the chasing team’s sights.

However, big hitting has not been to the fore in this series, with the low, slow Coolidge pitch making fluent attacking play difficult. A lush outfield has further restricted scoring rates and both teams look more comfortable with ball in hand – other than when catching - rather than bat.

All that changed in the Superstars’ warm-up clash with Middlesex. Their total of 173/4 followed an average first innings score of 131, which suggests that not only does the wicket have runs in it, but also that the home side have the power hitters able to play without inhibition.

The 19 boundaries they struck against Middlesex were the same amount that England managed from both their warm-up matches combined. Andre Fletcher’s unbeaten 90 is the only half century to be scored so far.

England, who have won their last five Twenty20 matches, of course have plenty of batsmen capable of hitting fours and sixes, although only Kevin Pietersen looks in the sort of form that can will produce a match-winning innings.

The visitors’ batting policy will again be to make a steady start, rotate the strike with quick singles and keep wickets back for a late assault, although the lack of recent action for specialist slogger Luke Wright is a concern. The Sussex man is a passenger in the team at the moment and should really make way for Graeme Swann, although both James Anderson and Ryan Sidebottom might miss out.

England perhaps have the edge in the bowling department, although five Superstars have maintained economy rates of six or less, and we should expect a close game with a target of around 150 to be competitive.

Only one team has won chasing in the five matches played so far and I would back whoever takes first use of the pitch. Much has been made of the pressure players face under high catches, but the team batting second with $20m in their sights are the ones who are most likely to buckle.

Written by Philip Oliver, a professional sports writer who blogs about cricket betting at the online sports betting blog from Betfair.