Bet of the century

Bookies are offering odds of 1000/1 against England regaining the Ashes before 2100.

Following their poor displays against Australia this summer, some cricket fans are convinced England will not win back the Ashes in their lifetime.

Indeed such is the lack of faith in the team, many have even placed bets against them achieving the feat before the end of this century.

I just hope those customers take care of their betting slips for the next 99 years!

William Hill spokesman Graham Sharpe

William Hill's odds of 1000/1 against England claiming a series win over the Aussies before 2100 proved too tempting for some.

More than 20 customers have so far staked £10, while one has forked out £40 - which would return him or his descendants £40,000.

William Hill spokesman Graham Sharpe admitted it was unusual to see so many punters betting against their own team.

"It is a sad comment on the public's perception of the state of English cricket that punters are prepared to bet on the Aussies being better than England for a hundred years," he said.

Drawback

"I just hope those customers take care of their betting slips for the next 99 years - in case England do turn out to be that bad for that long!"

Of course the major drawback with the bet is that gamblers have little or no chance of seeing a return on it themselves.

Even if you were having your first flutter at 18, you would have to live to the ripe old age off 117 to pick up your winnings.

It could be viewed as a potential investment for grandchildren and great grandchildren, but when you take into account inflation, a future £1,000 windfall might only amount to the price of a pint.

Then again, they could always stick it on England not regaining the Ashes for another century.