sri lanka

Well, if you wanted any confirmation of where to put your Cricket World Cup bets, then apparently a veteran astrologer has studied the alignment of the planetary bodies, and has predicted that Sri Lanka and England will be in the final. Read into that what you will. Sri Lanka and India are justifiably strong in the markets, yet are worth taking them to win the Cricket World Cup which starts on Friday. There is a big factor of home advantage here, and they are two of the best one day international teams. The conditions for the World Cup, which is being jointly held in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh should give the two teams a big heads up. Even though there are two other sides in the running, Australia and South Africa, which should push hard for the title, because of playing conditions and familiarity, especially when it comes to spin, it probably should be a toss up between India and Sri Lanka as the front runner for your world cup cricket betting. Sri Lanka, who just warmed up with a win against the West Indies, are previous winners of the World Cup, winning when the competition was last held on their own turf. That is a pretty good indicator for the current World Cup and it will be worth taking a long hard look at them. What Sri Lanka have, and what they have shown in the short format, is a tremendous batting power, but they have always been able to back it up with a fierce bowling attack. They are one of the bravest and most forthright teams when it comes to world cricket, and looking at the bowling history for the World Cup, Sri Lanka have two familiar names near the top of the charts for leading wicket takers in the competition. Muralitharan has 53 wickets to his name, and Vaas has 49 in World Cup cricket. Both average around 20 so they will be a major threat. The incredible, inventive spin of Muralitharan has the ability to undo the best batting line ups in the world. This will be his swansong tournament, and while you have the unorthodox Lasith Malinga who will always take wickets, Sri Lanka have bowlers who can dominate matches.

On the batting front, Sri Lanka can throw out Kumar Sangakkara, Upul Tharanga, Tillakaratne Dilshan and Mahela Jayawardne to take the attack straight to the opposition right from the opening order, and they just look to be the best, all round team, without any noticeable cracks in the line up which can be seen. Their batting line up is somewhat enviable in both confidence and ability, making them a solid bet. Sri Lanka should enjoy plenty of success in their group, and it should come down to themselves and Australia to see who takes top spot. They are really the most obvious choice when it comes to your World Cup cricket betting to be honest, as they are decently priced and are well worth backing. Their record is standing at 14 wins out of their last 19 matches on their home turf, and that is strong form to go into the tournament with. Watch out for Angelo Mathews, who is a great prospect for Sri Lanka’s all-rounder position for years to come. Has flair with the and has shown the ability to tear into middle order and tail enders. This is one player who can really stand out in the tournament in his home conditions, and could help Sri Lanka go one better than the 2007 World Cup, where they finished as runners up to Australia. Incidentally, Sri Lanka are the oldest side in the tournament with an average of 29.87 years, so that should equal that all important experience.

Sri Lanka to win 2011 Cricket World Cup: 9/2 at Unibet

What of India? How much home advantage will be handed to them? Well, they looked pretty modest in their batting during a recent warm up win against Australia. India have historically failed to live up to expectations when it has come to tournament cricket. There is always a massive weight of expectation upon them, but this time around, they look more likely to come close to lifting the title. There is an air of unpredictability about them, even though you look down the team sheet and see an enviable line up. They have misfired terribly in their last two tournaments (the 2007 World Cup and the Twenty20 World Cup), but you never know with them. Talented to the rafters, and they are getting the great Sachin Tendulkar warmed up, and they have called up the somewhat controversial figure of Sreesanth to the bowling attack. India have had problems with injury, but finally then can field their strongest one day international side, and they will be boosted if Tendulkar is fully fit. He hasn’t played much cricket over the past year, but let’s not forget his double century against South Africa back in 2010. Quality, just what India will want at the top of their order. Their batsmen really failed to impress too much against Australia in a warm up match, but the prolific and variable spin which they can bring into the attack in the middle part of the game, is one of their key weapons. Australia simply could not cope what was being thrown at them, especially from leg spinner Piyush Chawla who took four wickets for nine runs in just five orders. There could be a massive temptation for India to go with two spinners, where usually they field just one alongside three seamers. They completed their warm up on Wednesday with a big win over New Zealand, and that is the India we should see more of.

Both Sri Lanka and India should be in the knockout stage, and there will be no early upsets this time around, due to the reformatting of the tournament, which should ensure all the top teams get through. The tournament is a prolonged affair with 49 matches on the cards. Both are worth considering because of the matches being played on the sub-continent, which is always a tricky place for the best visiting nations to go to. With other strong contenders South Africa not particularly great performers in the hot and humid conditions, and Australia looking to come together as a side still, Sri Lanka and India represent the best value bets as outright winners for the 2011 World Cup.

India to win 2011 Cricket World Cup: 3/1 at Paddy Power

Well, now that England have failed miserably in the one day internationals against Australia Down Under (losing 6-1), it’s time to look at the impending action at the 2011 Cricket World Cup. Yes, it will be right on our screens before we know it, so it is time to look at the front runners for the tournament. This is some of the best cricket action which you will see all year, with the matches coming thick and fast from the World Cup, which is being jointly hosted by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. The tournament runs from February 19th and the Final is over a month later on April 2nd in Mumbai and the host nations will take a huge advantage from playing under their familiar conditions. In particular India and Sri Lanka, who have to be looked at as the strongest bets to win outright. However, the Australians will be in the hunt and it is hard to back against them when it comes to tournaments like this. But the conditions may just tip the balance in favour of India and Sri Lanka. This is the World Cup and crazy things can happen. Ireland beating Pakistan in 2007. Kenya beating Sri Lanka in 2003! Zimbabwe beating England in 1992! Expect some thrills and spills in the enduring tournament. India and Sri Lanka look as if they will be the teams to beat, and here we take a look over the chances of all the entering nations, and offer our valuable tips as to how the tournament may play itself out.

ICC ODI Rankings
1st Australia, 2nd India, 3rd Sri Lanka, 4th South Africa, 5th England, 6th Pakistan, 7th New Zealand, 8th Bangladesh, 9th West Indies

Australia 11/2 at Bet365

The defending Champions and after brushing the challenge of England aside, they will be a major threat at the tournament. Are they the best team in the world? Probably not, certainly not by the looks of it anyway, but is there a more driven, committed and confident team when it comes to winning cricket tournaments than Australia? Again, probably not. They went into the last World Cup on the back of a poor run of form, but once they got a sniff of tournament cricket, they turned into a completely different side and blew away the competition. Dangle that golden carrot in front of their faces and they will be a dangerous side, and one teams will want to avoid. Favourites? No, it is still hard to look at them as favourites, as you will discover when you read on down the page, but the fact is that Australia will not give up their crown easily. They are the world champions, and will fight tooth and nail to hang on to that status. Not in their prime at the moment, but they will be dangerous. The one thing which may let them down, is the lack of quality spin bowling in the side, something which will be need out east. The Aussies are used to fast, flat tracks, and really don’t carry a threat in the spinning conditions. Still ranked as the world number one ODI team and they will take some beating when it comes to the crunch.
Australia World Cup History: Won the World Cup 4 times, including the last three

India 13/4 at Unibet

Here are the favourites. They will be helped out by the tournament being partly held in their own back yard. The Indian side have historically been one which looks to have consummate quality in every position and in every aspect of their game. They have seldom lived up to their status as tournament favourites in the past, and that is pretty much the only question about them. However, this time around it should be all so very different, because they have home territory, and their exciting bowling attack should come up trumps. They sometimes look a bit hesitant and vulnerable at the top of the batting order, but once they get going, then they should be out of side. Sehwag has declared himself fit (he’s vice captain) and should be one of the batting stars at the 2011 World Cup. It has been a lot wait since 1983 for India to lift a World Cup, and really they should be one of the front runners here, they have to be. There is probably not a better batting line up in the tournament, than which India can field. Just edged out at the beginning of January in a five match series in South Africa. They will be much stronger on their home turf. Should see a much more composed India, even with the added pressure of playing at home. Will be out to score big revenge against Bangladesh who beat them at the 2007 World Cup.
India World Cup History: Winners, 1983

Sri Lanka 5/1 at William Hill

Have to admire what Sri Lanka bring to the One Day International side. They are arguably the most talented, most explosive and most talented side in this format of the game. They are actually ranked third in the world, but will make their presence known here. They have tasted victory before, back in 1996 when the tournament was held in India, Pakistan and yes, Sri Lanka. If they were to land the big prize again, they would be worthy winners. What Sri Lanka have is an ideal balance, and some of the most attacking batsmen in this format of the game. They are a dangerous batting side, who can quickly run up big totals, and they will be a big threat here. They really make a good tip to go all of the way, simply because of home advantage. You wouldn’t back them as being as steady as India, or as hardened as Australia, but they have their own style of cricket and they will rush and harass and put opposition to the sword. One of the best ODI sides in the world to watch, would be worthy winners and are the cricket betting tip here. Have just beaten the West Indies in a ODI series as a warm up, and should get stronger through the tournament.
Sri Lanka World Cup History: Winners 1996

Pakistan 9/1 at Victor Chandler

You never really know which Pakistan are going to turn up, just to coin a popular sporting cliché. They are one of those teams who look to have the perfect balance of batting and bowling in their side, but there is still a fragility about them which makes you hesitant to lay down too much money on them. But, that having been said, they have won before in the face of adversity, and you would expect them to be in the latter stages of the tournament, with conditions favoring them. Perhaps not quite as settled or as strong as they could be, but they can turn on the power when it matters most. They just look more beatable than any of the aforementioned teams though. They are immensely talented, but they just seem to self implode, and almost seem impossible to play together as a unit, something which is naturally an asset when it comes to tournament cricket. They will win games, they will give the higher ranked teams here a good run for their money, but at some point down the line, you just expect them to come off the rails. Just enjoyed a tight series victory over New Zealand as a warm up, and will be led at the tournament by Afridi. Probably just too much frailty to gel together and win this one. Was supposed to be co-hosting the event as well, but was stripped of the rights after attacks on a visiting Sri Lanka team in 2009.
Pakistan World Cup History: Winners in 1992

South Africa 11/2 at Totesport

Have always been a big fan and admirer of the South African power cricket. They are not afraid to have a go at teams, yet they don’t always look the most comfortable sides in action. Have been on top of their game though of late, beating India, and should be able to go close here with form and a good draw. On their day, South Africa are a team to be feared, when they are having an off day though, they seem to fall apart quickly as a unit. However, they recently beat India in South Africa, and that will have given them an immense amount of confidence. Weaker in the batting line up than in the bowling department, but their bowlers may struggle out in the sub continent conditions. They haven’t been to the final of a World Cup before, and like India in a way, they have fallen short of potential when it has come to the big games. Still, they will bat hard and give it all they have. It is just that big match potential. They have quality in their side, but they still have to play up at their very best to beat the best, and when not at their peak, they look vulnerable and completely beatable. India have done well against South Africa before and you would expect the home nation to edge things over the South Hemisphere team at the 2011 World Cup. An outside threat. They’ll be in the knockouts, and it will depend on the draw from there.
South Africa World Cup History: No finals

England 15/2 at SportingBet

Well, they stunned the world last year when they won the Twenty20 World Cup against all of the odds. Do they stand much of a chance at the 2011 Cricket World Cup? Sadly no. As their showing against Australia in the ODI series has proven, they are not one of the better teams in the world at this format. Yes, they went into the series against the Aussies having not lost a ODI series since the 2009 Ashes, but then, the level of opposition wasn’t of the standard of any of the above teams. England do have decent batting power, but they lack a genuine ODI opener, and with so many injury problems in the bowling department, it is unlikely that they will pose too much of a threat. Should qualify from their group, one would hope, as they are  teamed up with Bangladesh, Ireland, Netherlands, West Indies, South Africa and India and four teams go through from each of the two groups to the quarter finals. You would expect England to fall in the knockouts quickly though. Before the Australian series, they looked good value, right now, they look depleted, tired and out of sorts. There is also a major injury worry over Eoin Morgan, their best ODI performer with the bat during 2010. That would be a huge blow. They just don’t look as if they have the right balance and form at the moment to win, their confidence must also be shot too after the Aussies destroyed them.
England World Cup History: Lost back to back finals in 1987 and 1992

Group A Outright Winner

Sri Lanka: 15/8 at SportingBet
Australia: 2/1 at Bet365
Pakistan: 7/2 at Victor Chandler
New Zealand: 8/1 at SkyBet
Zimbabwe: 66/1 at Stan James
Kenya: 750/1 at Bodog
Canada: 1000/1 at Bodog

As we’ve tipped them to go all the way and win the tournament, would look for Sri Lanka to win the group really. They are better than Australian and better than Pakistan at the moment, and they should be able to take out both of them.  Australia really don’t represent bad value though in this tournament, but really should have been taken in a stronger priced ante post bet before their trouncing of the in form England after the Ashes series. This is an interesting group really, and top spot should be fought out between Sri Lanka and Australia. Everyone will just wondering what Pakistan bring to the table. New Zealand will make a nuisance of themselves and should be able to battle for third place.

Group B Outright Winner

India: 2/1 at Victor Chandler
South Africa: 11/4 at Bet365
England: 10/3 at Totesport
West Indies: 8/1 at Blue Square
Bangladesh: 20/1 at Bodog
Netherlands: 500/1 at Totesport
Ireland: 500/1 at Bodog

Really, you would expect India, being the home side to take control of this group. The matches against West Indies, Bangladesh, Netherland and Ireland are winnable for India, South Africa and England. So it may come down to who will take points off each other between those three. India will be helped by their support and their conditions, and are capable of taking out both England and SA, and that is what will tip the balance of power in this group. The best bet behind them is South Africa, who should be able to overpower England.

England v Sri Lanka ICC World Twenty20 Betting Preivew: England now know their ICC World Twenty20, and it is Sri Lanka who they will take on in the first semi final on Thursday. England cruised through their Super 8 group, with victories of Pakistan, South Africa and New Zealand. England topped the group, setting themselves up for a real run at making the final, to some surprise as the English went into the tournament as somewhat underdogs. They were initially out at a long price, but their bold selection in brining in new faces to the team, is paying dividends as they look to be going from strength to strength in the competition. The bold selections came primarily in the form of the openers, Craig Kieswetter and Michael Lumb. Both South African born players, made fantastic strides with the England Lions team, and they forced themselves into the team with some impressive performances with the bat in the short format of the game.

They have injected a new pace at the top of the innings, which has made England stronger. England have always struggled in the Twenty20 format, but now they look to be a team with direction and youthful drive. With Kevin Pietersen backing them up after rediscovering his old form (until he flew home from the tournament for the birth of his child) and some continued impressive batting displays by Eoin Morgan, England, under Paul Collingwood, have looked more and more composed, and professional. Even when they have looked to be struggling at times in matches, which will invariably happen, they have showed great authority and responsibility in getting things. Unbeaten in the Super 8’s there is every chance that they could meet favourites Australia in the final, which would make for a thrilling final. Australia topped their group, and go into the second semi final on Friday against the defending champions Pakistan.

But first the challenge of Sri Lanka is on the table in the semi final for England. Sri Lanka played their way into the semi finals, courtesy of a last ball six hit by Chamara Kapugedera to beat and eliminate India from the tournament. The Sri Lankans will be no pushover, with world class players like Jayawardene, Jayasuriya, Dilshan, Sangakara and Malinga being the experienced backbone. The Sri Lankans are a thrilling cricketing side in all formats of the game, and possess some awesome batting power of their own. They have also brought in some youth to bolster their squad, and they look an accomplished all round side, capable of beating anyone. They will challenge and push England all of the way, and are keeping one of their secrets weapons under their hat. Whether potential menace and match winner, spinner Ajantha Mendis will make it into the side for the semi final or not, will be left to the last minute. Mendis is a bit of maverick with his style of different types of spin, making him a serious threat. But England’s power player will be back for the semi final, as Pietersen rejoins the squad. The only question is, how much the rush around the world will effect his performance on Thursday.

There is not  too much to chose between England and Sri Lanka in the betting, but surprising England are edging it as favourites. They are a much improved side, but Sri Lanka are a proven quantity and quality side, perhaps more accomplished all round. As for Australia, they have racked up an awesome run-rate, and look in top notch, and should beat Pakistan.

ICC World Twenty20 Semi Finals

England to win: 4/5 at Bet365
Sri Lanka to win: 11/10 at SkyBet

Australia to win: 4/9 at Bet365
Pakistan: 21/10 at SportingBet

With so much cricket having been enjoyed this year, and plenty to enjoy at the moment, we take a look at some good cricket bets, which will hopefully guide you towards some profits. Again the cricketing world will be busy next year, and we look at some of the current action, as well as towards 2010.

1) South Africa vs. England Drawn Series
The Proteas are favourites to take the series, but with the inclement weather on show so far on the tour, taking the series to draw 7/2 at Bet365 is not a bad shout at all. Still, if you would rather get off the fence and back either the home nation or the visitors to win, consider placing the stake instead on a Draw No Bet. England are 3/1 at Bet365 for that option, while South Africa are 4/9 at William Hill. This a Test Match Series of four matches, not the usual five, so the chances of a drawn series are increased a little. Sports fans are always happier when a definitive result is produced, but if England can manage a draw, then they will be relatively happy with the tour, especially after surprisingly winning the One Day International Series.

2) Sri Lanka To Win Twenty20 World Cup.
They are joy to watch at Cricket, and have made steady progress towards the top of the World Rankings, and they still have a lot to prove in order to silence critics who think they are lacking a little something when it comes to major tournaments. They are however, one of the most complete teams in terms of all-round skill, along with Pakistan. The Twenty20 World Cup takes place next April in the West Indies, and Sri Lanka should be a major factor in the tournament with players like Dilshan, Sangakkara, Jayawardene, Mendis, Muralitharan and Malinga, in their current series against India, they are proving they have good depth coming through the ranks too. A force to be reckoned with. Early prices has them at 5/1 at Ladbrokes to win the Twenty20 World Cup in 2010.

3) Durham To Win County Championship.
Winners of the County Championship Division One title, by some stretch, will start next season’s campaign as favourite. Currently providing Paul Colllingwood and Graham Onions to England, Durham look set to continue their reign, but will probably be most closely challenged by Nottinghamshire. With Ryan Sidebottom, Graeme Swann and Stuart Broad on their books, Nottingham also have some good international experience to call upon, not that the England players get to enjoy much county cricket. But Durham got the better of the encounter with Nottingham last season, and will be hoping to build upon that success. Early days yet until the season starts, but a good time nonetheless to get an early punt on them, even if it just each way. Durham are currently 2/1 at Boylesports to retain their title.

4) New South Wales To Win Sheffield Shield.
As most England cricket fans won’t really pay too much attention to the domestic cricket scene down under, their domestic levels are nothing short of fantastic. As a sporting nation, Australia often puts England to shame, and the wealth of top class cricketers they produce, all stem from a great domestic setup, from the youth stages to the organisation of their top flight leagues and tournaments. Everything is done to condition and promote the development of players, and it is what keeps Australia on top of the cricketing world. New South Wales won the inaugural Twenty20 Champions League earlier this year, and have some famous international names on their books, such as Simon Katich, Michael Clarke, Muralitharan, Phillip Hughes, Brad Haddin, Nathan Brackan, Nathan Hauritz and Nathan Bracken. They are a good solid side and a really good price to win the Sheffield Shield, which is a round-robin league format of First Class cricket (which is the 4 day format). They will likely need to overcome the stronger team of the Victorian Bushrangers, but they stand in good stead. They are 36/5 at BetFair to win the Sheffield Shield.

5) Sri Lanka to Beat India.
Yes, again, but this time some current action. They are currently involved in a five game One Day International series against India, with the score level at 1-1. Both games have been incredibly tight, dramatic and some of the most entertaining cricket seen all year. Hopefully that will continue throughout the series. A great price at the moment for Sri Lanka to nick the series, is 6/5 at Coral. There really is not much to chose between the two teams at the moment, and while India do have home advantage in front of some of the most passionate cricket fans in the world, Sri Lanka are more than happy to roll up and play party poopers. India had the upper hand in the Test Match series between them, but Sri Lanka’s dynamic and enviable batting power will come into play more in the ODI’s.

2010 ASHES DEFENCE
The England cricket team have had some of the future mapped out for them, as the announcement of the fixtures for the defence of the Ashes has been announced. At the end of next year, they will head down under and try to do a little better than the last time they were Down Under, when they lost 5-0. This time the planning has been improved, with England spending more time there ahead of the important Test matches, and getting plenty of action in first class warm up games. That was something which did not happen last time around, but should not have been any excuse for being so dismal.

2010-11 Ashes Test series dates:
First Test Brisbane: 25-29 November
Second Test Adelaide: 3-7 December
Third Test Perth: 16-20 December
Fourth Test Melbourne: 26-30 December
Fifth Test Sydney: 3-7 January

WINTER TOUR
In the immediate future, England are about to embark on a winter tour in South Africa. After crashing out of the Champions Trophy in the semi’s, there is renewed hope that Kevin Pietersen will be making a return to action on the tour. He was suffering through the initial two Ashes games in the summer, and he missed the final three games, the ODI series, and the entire Champions Trophy. His batting prowess was sorely missed over the entire summer and it will be a welcome sight to see him padding up again. He has been named in both the test and ODI squads.
Possibly more good news is that Steve Harmison has been excluded from selection, instead in comes Liam Plunkett, who has proven to be more consistent over the course of the domestic season. Wicket-keeper Steve Davies, who was called up as cover for Matt Prior in the Champions Trophy gets a place, along with Ashes late arrival Jonathan Trott and the re-emergence of Ian Bell in the Test Squad. Luke Wright also gets a place in the Test Squad and the patiently waiting leg-spinner Adil Rashid continues his development with a place.
The One Day Squad for the South Africa tour, is pretty much the one that appeared in the Champions Trophy. The ODI team definitely needs a lot of improvement, and has a long way to go to catch up with Australia. England did beat South Africa during the Champions Trophy which will give them some heart, but the short formats of the game is where England need to improve significantly. They are presumably sticking with the same squad in order to build some team-spirit and cohesion, Sajid Mahmood is the newest face to re-appear, and there is no place for Ravi Bopara or Owais Shah in either Squad.

The Winter Tour is quite extensive, and the culmination of a long year of Cricket for the national team. The action begins with all of the Twenty20 and One Day Internationals.

Test squad: Andrew Strauss (captain), Alastair Cook, Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell,  Paul Collingwood, Steven Davies, Matt Prior, Jonathan Trott, Luke Wright, James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Graham Onions, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Ryan Sidebottom, Graeme Swann.

One-day squad: Andrew Strauss (captain), Alastair Cook, Kevin Pietersen, Joe Denly, Stuart Broad, Paul Collingwood, Eoin Morgan, Jonathan Trott, Luke Wright, Matt Prior, James Anderson, Tim Bresnan, Sajid Mahmood, Graham Onions, Adil Rashid, Graeme Swann.

South Africa ODI and Twenty20 Tour Dates
Twenty20: November 13
Twenty20: November 15
ODI: November 20
ODI: November 22
ODI: November 27
ODI: November 29
ODI: December 04

TO WIN TWENTY20 SERIES
South Africa: 6/4 at Ladbrokes
Draw: 11/10 at Totesport
England: 4/1 at Ladbrokes

TO WIN ODI SERIES
South Africa: 2/5 at Totesport
England: 5/2 at Ladbrokes

TO WIN TEST SERIES
South Africa: 8/15 at Ladbrokes
Draw: 4/1 Boylesports
England: 9/2 at Stan James

CRICKET WORLD CUP
The draw has also been made for the 2011 Cricket World Cup which takes place in India. England have been drawn against the host nation in their group. There has been a significant change of format from the last World Cup, and sees the competition return to a two-group format, as opposed to the four group system which was employed in the Caribbean. The other main threat in Group B which contains England, will be South Africa. This competition is a long way off of course, and the two groups of seven was settled on to make the competition shorter than its predecessor. There are will be two less teams participating and it all just adds up to being two games fewer than the previous tournament.

Cricket World Cup groups:
Group A: Australia, Canada, Kenya, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe
Group B: Bangladesh,, England, India, Ireland, Netherlands, South Africa, West Indies

TO WIN WORLD CUP
India: 7/2 at Coral
Australia: 9/2 SkyBet
Sri Lanka: 6/1 Ladbrokes
South Africa: 13/2 Totesport
Pakistan: 7/1 Stan James
England: 10/1 at BetFred

ICC Champions Trophy
As the group stages of the ICC Champions Trophy near their completion, the only team who have definitely booked their place in the semi finals is, somewhat surprisingly, England. It has been an exciting tournament so far, and with upsets and some fine batting on display, the touranment, if nothing else, should allay any fears that the 50-over format is under any threat from its younger brother Twenty20.

Champions Trophy Outright
Australia – 11/4 at Coral
Pakistan – 3/1 at Coral
England – 9/2 at ExtraBet
Sri Lanka – 7/1 at Victor Chandler
England – 8/1 at Victor Chandler
India – 8/1 at at Victor Chandler
New Zealand – 9/1 at SkyBet
West Indies – 250/1 at BetFred

GROUP A
The definite highlight of Group A so far, was the heavyweight clash between India and Pakistan. These old rivals brought out the very best of the game, with Pakistan outplaying the more favoured Indians. A classy ton from Shaoib Malik helped Pakistan, who batted first, towards a good total, with Ashish Nehra being the pick of the Indian bowlers, taking 4 for 55. India, who were missing a couple of key batsmen, struggled, and even the iconic figure of Sachin Tendulkar went very cheaply for 8. That was the big scalp for Pakistan, who had a nervy opening game against the West Indies. India now, need to turn over Australia in order to keep their semi final hopes alive, but having only played one below par game themselves against the Windies, no-one is sure which Australia has arrived in the tournament. Will it be the one full of potential, or the one that possess a lot of potential? The Aussies will be powerful in batting, it will be down to the Indian batsmen to attack what is considered to be a weaker than in past tournaments, Australian bowling attack. The West Indies are already out of the tournament, as expected. Their lack of experience, because they are missing their star players over a pay dispute, has lacked the quality to compete, but haven’t been short on gusto.

Results
Pakistan beat West Indies by 5 wickets
Australia beat West Indies by 50 runs
Pakistan beat India by 54 runs

Remaining Fixtures
28 Australia v India
30 Australia v Pakistan
30 India v West Indies

GROUP B
Talking of upsets, than no-one coming into the tournament would have booked England a semi final place above everyone else. But that is what has happened, after Andrew Strauss and his men knocked off two of the favourites for the trophy. First they beat Sri Lanka by a healthy six wickets, before toppling the host nation, South Africa in a thrilling match. That defeat meant that South Africa have been knocked out of the tournament at far too early a stage on their home soil. The Proteas went into the tournament as strong favourites, and the bookies will probably be rubbing their hands. The much maligned England batting order have actually produced two decent scores, and should be brimming with confidence after their series embarrassment against the Aussies. Perhaps it has all been down to facing a new challenge against some fresh opposition. South Africa’s fate was also undone when they lost to Sri Lanka in the opening match of the tournament. Quite how Sri Lanka went on to lose their next two against England and New Zealand, arguably the weaker two in the group will remain a disappointing mystery. Their place in the tournament hangs in the balance, and will be hoping that New Zealand suffer a heavy defeat at the hands of England. If New Zealand win, they will join England in the semi finals.

Results
Sri Lanka beat South Africa by 55 runs
South Africa beat New Zealand by 5 wickets
England beat Sri Lanka v 6 wickets
New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by 38 runs
England beat South Africa by 22 runs

Remaining Fixtures
29 England v New Zealand

It’s England’s turn in the ICC Champions Trophy hot seat, as they open their campaign against new tournament favourites Sri Lanka on Friday. It has been a busy year for the England Cricketers, and there is no let up in the schedule for the next couple of months. They have had scarce time to prepare for the Champions Trophy, after the extensive Ashes series back home. While Australia are in the same boat as the English, with regards to lack of preparation time, they are at least coming into the tournament with some form behind them. Unlike England, who barely escaped being white washed 7-0 in the ODI series against the Aussies.

Where does that leave England’s chances of lifting the Champions Trophy? Near the bottom of the eight participating teams, apparently, with only the West Indies, who are fielding an inexperienced side, ranked lower them and at longer odds. Hoping that they do not use the lack of preparation time as an excuse, one hopes that England will see this as a fresh start. What better preparation could they actually have received?

England have certainly had enough practice in the one day format, against one of the best teams in the world. The fact that they fell so short should not be down to tiredness or fatigue, but simply being outclassed and not being in good form. True, the bowlers coming into the Champions Trophy, who have been toiling, may find the going tougher than some of the other, fresher teams, but they are there to do a job, and play with a bit of pride for Captain Andrew Strauss.

But facing up against a powerful Sri Lanka may not be the ideal start to a campaign. Being in a tough group with South Africa and New Zealand, a game against the Kiwi’s first up may have given the chance for England to break themselves in an settle. But on the flip side, just imagine if they can pull off a win against Sri Lanka, and how much of a boost in confidence that will be for them. They will need to be at their very best and beyond against the likes of Lasith Malinga and Muttiah Muralitharan, and the English bowlers will be firing balls in at the strongest batting line up in the tournament.

With South Africa needing a win in their final game against England, in order for them to qualify for the semi finals, there will be no easy road for England to take. A lot of England’s woes have been with a failing top order. Other than Strauss, Joe Denly and Luke Wright, there simply have not been enough runs coming. England, however, have persevered with the same set of players throughout the dismal one day series against Australia, and there is a lot of pressure on this same set of batsmen. After the Trophy, England face South Africa in both test and one day series. They have not named the squad yet, and this hopefully will inspire some of the batsmen like Shah, Morgan and Bopara to really stand up and be counted. Something which they have yet to do.

As well as inconsistency in the batting, without Freddie Flintoff, there has been no dominant wicket taker in the England attack. When the batting isn’t strong enough, it barely gives the bowlers anything to bowl at. One player in particular who they will need to stand head and shoulders, and bear a lot of responsibility is Stuart Broad. The bowler has the tenacity to bully batsmen, but he can be expensive. He has the grit and steel though that England need. Jimmy Anderson will bowl efficiently 9 times out of 10, but his wicket hauls are too sporadic, and is a better test candidate than one day bowler.

That doesn’t leave a lot else in the England attack. Coach Andy Flower has stated that he is keen to rotate the bowlers as much as possible. The much touted Adil Rashid should get his time to shine, but the youngster will come up against some of the best batsmen in the world if he plays South Africa and Sri Lanka. It will be a steep learning curve for the leg-spinner, one which, should he control his nerves, be a positive step in his development as England’s future.

England will be selecting from: Andrew Strauss, Joe Denly, Ravi Bopara, Matt Prior (wk), Paul Collingwood, Eoin Morgan, Owais Shah, Luke Wright, Stuart Broad, Adil Rashid, Tim Bresnan, Graham Swann, Jimmy Anderson, Graham Onions.

Sri Lanka to win – 2/5 at Skybet
England to win - 2/1 at Bet365

Betting Tip: Unfortunately Sri Lanka clearly hold all the aces here. They have batting strength to be envious of, and a diverse bowling attack that can take wickets. England have neither. Will this really be a fresh start?

Fixture Guide for the ICC Champions Trophy

The eyes of the Cricket world are on South Africa at the moment, as the 50-over One Day format ICC Champions Trophy gets underway. The eight participating teams will all be vying for glory, and there is not much room for error as only the top two teams in each group go forward to the semi final stages. Hosts South Africa start as favourites, while England are languishing down the odds. Remember that cricket is an ideal sport with which to take advantage of live in play betting with your favourite bookie. Follow the action with this schedule and odds for the group outrights.

Group A to win:
Australia – 7/4 at BetFred
India – 15/8 at Stan James
Pakistan – 11/4 at 888Sport
West Indies – 25/1 at SportingBet

Group B to win:
South Africa – evens at Victor Chandler
New Zealand – 9/2 at Victor Chandler
Sri Lanka – 9/4 at Victor Chandler
England – 13/2 at Victor Chandler

FIRST ROUND GROUP MATCHES
September
22nd: South Africa v Sri Lanka
23rd: Pakistan v West Indies
24th: South Africa v New Zealand
25th: Sri Lanka v England
26th: West Indies v Australia
26th: India v Pakistan
27th: New Zealand v Sri Lanka, Wanderers, Johannesburg
27th South Africa v England
28th: Australia v India
29th: England v New Zealand
30th: Australia v Pakistan
30th: India v West Indies