England fans are optimistic about an opening Test victory in this year’s Ashes

England fans should be optimistic about an opening Test victory in this year’s Ashes against Australia as punters back the tourists.

Almost three quarters of all result stakes placed on the Perth Test, which begins on Friday, back England to take a series lead in Western Australia, according to William Hill data shared with City AM.

Over half (57 per cent) of wagers with the evoke plc-owned bookmaker are backing the hosts, however, for a series win with Brendon McCullum’s England looking for a first triumph Down Under since the 2010-11 series.

Rival bookies Betfair have England at the shortest price they have been for a series in over a decade, and state that they’ve seen £350,000 wagered on the series

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