London Spirit vs Oval Invincibles predictions: Williamson's Spirit can make winning start
Simon Barlow
London Spirit have a new coach, captain and star opener for 2025
Oval Invincibles have lost a key bowler and two openers from their ranks
Recommended bet: London Spirit to win
London Spirit and Oval Invincibles get The Hundred Men’s 2025 campaign underway at Lord’s on Tuesday.
The hosts are eyeing an early statement win after last season’s disappointing bottom-place finish in the standings while the Invincibles are bidding to extend their dominant run as back-to-back defending champions.
The latest London Spirit vs Oval Invincibles odds are available on LiveScore Bet.
Team news
London Spirit made sweeping changes in the winter, replacing Trevor Bayliss with former Australia Test opener Justin Langer as head coach and recruiting fresh assistants in ex-England one-day stars Paul Collingwood and Jade Dernbach.
Kane Williamson takes over as captain and he will not lack other leaders on the field with ex-Aussie vice-captain David Warner set to make his debut in the competition, alongside stand-in England skipper Ollie Pope.
Spirit’s bowling unit features Surrey swing merchant Dan Worrall — last year’s most economical bowler in the competition—with pace support from Richard Gleeson and Mark Wood.
Liam Dawson and Jamie Smith are expected to feature after England duty, while Wayne Madsen could get an all-rounder’s berth if Jamie Overton is rested.
Oval Invincibles, meanwhile, return much of their championship-winning core but have lost two key figures.
Leg-spinner Adam Zampa, who led the way with 19 wickets last summer, has departed and left-handed opener Dawid Malan is now with the Northern Superchargers.
Kent’s Tawanda Muyeye may open with Will Jacks after Jason Roy’s exit. Sam and Tom Curran, Saqib Mahmood, and Jason Behrendorff provide seam options, but Gus Atkinson is likely to be given a break after recent Test duty.
The latest London Spirit vs Oval Invincibles odds are available on LiveScore Bet.
The stats
Spirit lost both fixtures badly to the Invincibles last season, failing to top 117 in either match.
Oval Invincibles have claimed back-to-back Hundred titles, beating Southern Brave by 17 runs at Lord’s in the 2024 final.
Will Jacks boasts a strike rate above 160 against London Spirit, but struggled in their fixtures last term.
Jordan Cox was the Invincibles’ leading run-scorer last summer (214 runs at 42.80), and hit centuries in both T20 and first class formats in July.
Three of the last four London derbies have produced 12+ sixes.
Lord’s has tended to favour the team chasing under lights.
The latest London Spirit vs Oval Invincibles odds are available on LiveScore Bet.
Prediction
The stage is set for a revitalised London Spirit to get the better of their capital rivals.
Williamson’s leadership, Langer’s fresh approach, and high-profile signings like Warner suggest Spirit can shake off their underdog label.
Their new-look top order boasts world-class experience, and Worrall adds needed control with the new ball.
The Invincibles’ middle order remains fearsome, but the loss of Zampa and Malan could leave them short in the spin department and top order.
Cox looks their key man, coming into the tournament in sparkling touch for Kent.
Spirit’s home advantage and renewed belief make them a value pick to upset the reigning champions.
Expect a tight clash, with fine margins likely decided by big-name performances., with Cox reliable for runs and Williamson likely to shine in his Hundred debut.
