Tag: Australia

Cricket World Cup Preview – Top Run Scorers

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

In no particular order here’s our list of batsman we expect to be near the top of the run scorer charts at the Cricket World Cup beginning on February 14th in Australia and New Zealand.

1. David Warner

54 matches, 1702 runs, 32.73 average, 3 hundreds, 10 fifties, 163 high score

Arguably one of the most destructive batsman in the game will never have abetter opportunity to contribute to a World Cup campaign.  The tournament, on home soil after a difficult summer, presents an opportunity to improve on his relatively mediocre and set himself in the limelight that he so obviously craves.  Warner’s fearless approach will be well suited to the Australian conditions, and his presence will strike fear in opposition bowling attacks.  He’s the bookies favourite to top score in the tournament.

Odds – $9.00

2. Kumar Sangakkara

397 matches, 13693 runs, 40.99 average, 21 hundreds, 93 fifties, 169 high score

When people talk about Lara, Ponting, Tendulkar and Kallis as the modern greats they often overlook on of the very best.  Kumar Sangakkara epitomises class and professionalism, and his record in every corner of the globe speaks for itself.  Sangakara arrives at the tournament in peak form after a successful New Zealand tour and won’t miss out too often in the tournement.  Thus, he’s a good pick for top run scorer.

Odds – $15.00

3. Kane Williamson

65 matches, 2452 runs, 46.26 average, 6 hundreds, 15 fifties, 145* high score

If Martin Crowe was the batting catalyst for New Zealand’s semi final run in the 1992 World Cup, then Kane Williamson is destined to play a similar role in 2015.  The most accomplished New Zealand batsman has an uncomplicated technique and is building in confidence just before the commencement.  Over the past two years he is average over 74 in the ODI game and has slowly added more flamboyance to aid his scoring rate.  He’ll go very close to being the best batsman in this edition.

Odds – $15.00

4. Virat Kohli

150 matches, 6232 runs, 51.50 average, 21 hundreds, 33 fifties, 183 high score

The Indian showman owns an incredible one day international record.  The one-day format is where Kohli announced his arrival into the top echelon of international batsman with a raft of composed hundreds in winning chases.  Kohli’s in peak form too after he scored hundred after hundred in the test series against Australia.  If India manage to get themselves into the semi-finals Kohli will be near the top of the run scoring charts.

Odds – $15.00

5. AB de Villiers

179 matches, 7459 runs, 52.16 average, 19 hundreds, 43 fifties, 149 high score

The best batsman in the world faces only one obstacle in taking out the top run scorer honours at the World Cup.  That is his teams inability to close out games, or to put it another way, his teams tendency to choke on the big stage.  If they progress to the final de Villiers will be a big part of the march and his ability to score all over the park, at a good clip, makes him a batsman to watch.

Odds – $14.00

6. Hashim Amla

107 matches, 5359 runs, 56.41 average, 19 hundreds, 27 fifties, 153* high score

Alma’s record speaks for itself.  After taking some time to develop a blueprint for ODI runs, Amla has stuck to it impeccably and continues to score runs in every series he plays.  Strong off the back foot and with supple wrists to manoeuvre the ball into gaps, the conditions should suit Amla.  His technique is also more than capable to cope with early movement and bounce  if it comes his way.  Second favourite to top the table.

Odds – $11.00

7. Rohit Sharma

127 matches, 3890 runs, 38.90 average, 6 hundreds, 23 fifties, 264 high score

The holder of the record for the highest score in a ODI has always been a prodigious talent.  Unfortunately though, fans have not always seen enough of him as he had a tendency to throw his wicket away will nonchalant lapses.  However, many feel he has turned the corner after his mammoth double hundred, and he’s scored runs recently too against Australia in Melbourne.

Odds – $21.00

8. Brendon McCullum

240 matches, 5480 runs, 30.27 average, 5 hundreds, 27 fifties, 166 high score

The New Zealand captain has transformed his side from World Cup also-rans into genuine contenders, and the belief he has in his side is very much evident in his own approach to batting.  In the Warner mould, McCullum has opted to open the innings for his side at this World Cup and deliver the type of flyers that are likely to lend themselves to big totals.  McCullum has delivered rapid runs in test cricket over the past 12 months and just needs to build on the cameos he’s contributed during the recent Sri Lanka and Pakistan series’ in order to guide his side to the trophy.

Odds – $15.00

9. Mahela Jayawardene

441 matches, 12525 runs, 33.48 average, 18 hundreds, 77 fifties, 144 high score

The second  veteran in the Sri Lankan middle order is Mahela Jayawardene.  The vastly experience stroke- maker is one of the best batsman to watch when in full flight and Sri Lankan fans and neutrals will be hoping for plenty of crease time for the diminutive right hander.  The World Cup swan song is the perfect opportunity for Jayawardene to end his exemplary career on a high.  Jayawardene also has a history of big game runs and in the 2011 Cricket World Cup final made an epic hundred.

Odds – $34.00

10. Steven Smith

50 matches, 1147 runs, 35.84 average, 3 hundreds, 3 fifties, 104 high score

Probably the most improved cricket on the face of the planet.  Once a bit part leg spinner, table end slogger and specialist fielder, Smith is now a world class batsman in every format of the game.  He’s in the form of his life after a dominant test and ODI series against India (and England).  Has a strange technique that opposition bowlers struggle to adapt to and has developed an uncanny knack of hitting it to difficult areas of the ground.  His pre-delivery movement opens up the entire ground for both cute glances an power blows.

Odds – $13.00

Cricket World Cup Preview – Team by Team Guide

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

We’ve put together a comprehensive guide of every side competing in the Cricket World Cup with odds from Beteasy.

Afghanistan

History: Despite taking part in three editions of the World Twenty20, Afghanistan are yet to take part in the 50-over format. 2015 is a new era for Afghanistan cricket.

Form: Afghanistan had an excellent Premier League tournament in Malaysia where they won four out of their five matches.  They followed that with a tied series against Zimbabwe, and then toured New Zealand and Australia playing first class sides to varying levels of success.  They also managed to sneak in another series against fellow World Cup newcomers UAE where they lost 3-1.

Squad: Mohammad Nabi (capt), Afsar Zazai (wk), Aftab Alam, Asghar Stanikzai, Dawlat Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Hamid Hassan, Javed Ahmadi, Mirwais Ashraf, Najibullah Zadran, Nasir Jamal, Nawroz Mangal, Samiullah Shenwari, Shapoor Zadran, Usman Ghani.

Strengths: Led by Hamid Hassan Afghanistan possess a decent pace bowling unit.  They are also coached by former New Zealand coach Andy Moles, who is an excellent planner.  He should be able to get the best out of his players and provide valuable insights into opposition players.

Weaknesses: A lack of x-factor is the glaring worry.  They rely too heavily on captain Mohammad Nabi, and  the others may get found out.  Would love to be wrong though (and we do think they’ll do very well in future World Cups).

Player to Watch: Hamid Hassan is in the rare-breed of sub-continent quicks who can generate express pace.  Capable of bowling 145km/h, Hassan will love the pitches of Australia and New Zealand.

Odds: $1001

Australia

History: Australia is the most successful nation in Cricket World Cup history, having won the trophy four times (1987, 1999, 2003, 2007).  Their most recent effort was a quarter-final loss to India in 2011.

Form: Australia wrapped up their preparations with an easy win in the Carlton Mid Tri-Series final.  In fact, the favourites have lost just one of their last eight ODIs; all played against India, England or South Africa.  Ominous form.

Squad: George Bailey, Michael Clarke (capt), Patrick Cummins, Xavier Doherty, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Brad Haddin (wk), Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner, Shane Watson.

Strengths: Balance and depth come to mind when you think of Australia’s strengths.  They bode a fearsome mix of power, craft, aggression and patience and are likely to be able to call upon any of their players to deliver a match-winning performance.  Intent is another term that can describe the mindset of both their top order batsman and wicket-taking seam attack.

Weaknesses: The only hole in the line-up is a world class spin option.  For the second consecutive Cricket World Cup Australia enter the tournament without a recognised slow bowler capable of taking big wickets. Xavier Doherty might not even play that often as Australia rely on Maxwell to play the containing spin role.

Player to Watch: If David Warner can avoid getting himself banned for some stupid sledging incident he could be a big factor in this World Cup.  One century in an otherwise quiet Carlton Mid Tri Series means he due to punish opposition bowling attacks.  The matches against associate nations could springboard him into some form for later in the tournament.

Odds: $2.90

Bangladesh

History: 2007 was the highlight in an otherwise underwhelming record at World Cups.  In that year they beat India to make the group stage but haven’t made it there in any of the other tournaments.  Have won only eight of 26 World Cup games.

Form: Bangladesh began 2014 searching for a win for the longest time, but as its recent 5-0 rout of Zimbabwe at home shows, the signs were there of the side coming together well.  It played 18 ODIs in 2014, winning five, losing 12 and with one match against India in Dhaka abandoned due to rain.

Squad: Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), Tamim Iqbal, Anamul Haque, Mominul Haque, Shakib Al Hasan (vice-capt), Mahmudullah Riaz, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Nasir Hossain, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Al-Amin Hossain, Rubel Hossain, Soumya Sarkar, Sabbir Rahman, Arafat Sunny.

Strengths: Bangladesh could play as many as four spinners in their run on World Cup side in what is an obvious strength.  They won’t get too many pitchers that turn, and the small grounds of New Zealand won’t suit them, but may take wickets by benefitting from some team’s aggressive pursuit of runs.

Weaknesses:  Too often the likes of Shakib, Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah are tasked with picking up the pieces.  If Bangladesh are to do well in this tournament the top order must contribute.

Player to Watch: Shakib Al Hasan is one of the best players to ever play for Bangladesh (if not the best).  He consistently gets runs and wickets in all situations with his handy left arm spin and quality ball striking.  For a little guy he has an uncanny knack of finding the boundary, and his round arm slingers have already proven effective in Australia after a brief Big Bash League stint.

Odds: $201

England

History: Pretty woeful recent results (9th, 6th and 7th) have masked earlier success in which they finished second on three occasions.

Form: England have not won an ODI series since beating West Indies in their last four attempts.  After discarding Alastair Cook, England have appointed Eoin Morgan to lead them to glory.  To do so they need to get past their poor recent efforts.  Showed glimpses of form in the Carlton Mid Tri Series but still outsiders.

Squad: Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Gary Ballance, Ian Bell, Ravi Bopara, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler (wk), Steven Finn, Alex Hales, Chris Jordan, Eoin Morgan (capt), Joe Root, James Taylor, James Tredwell, Chris Woakes.

Strengths: Probably seam bowling from Broad, Finn, Woakes and Anderson but even then they have struggled on their recent Australian tour.  Broad and Anderson are proven performers in Australia and Woakes and Finn took trip-series wickets too, so they could bundle out sides quickly if they have momentum.

Weaknesses: Moeen Ali is an ultra talented opener and off spinner, but it’s a lot to ask to do both.  Lacking a World Class spinner could hurt England and Ravi Bopara’s form is a big concern.

Player to Watch: Joe Root is handily placed to break-out as an ODI player during the World Cup.  Despite some epic test knocks he’s yet to really set the world alight despite being ranked 14th best in the World.  Root is one of those players who can accumulate quickly if he doesn’t get stuck on the crease and knick out as is often the way in Australia.

Odds: $11

India

History: Defending champions after a faultless run through the Asian hosted edition.  Also won in 1983 and finished second in 2003.

Form: Is inconsistent.  In 2014 in New Zealand they lost 4-0.  At home they beat the West Indies and Sri Lanka easily. But back to Australia they didn’t win a game in the tri-series.  The form in the conditions in which tournament will be played is a huge worry.

Squad: Ravichandran Ashwin, Stuart Binny, Shikhar Dhawan, MS Dhoni (capt & wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Virat Kohli, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Akshar Patel, Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Rohit Sharma, Umesh Yadav.

Strengths: The top order is undoubtedly the strength of the 2nd ranked ODI side.  In Rahane, Kohli, Rayudu, Dhawan and Raina they have players who can score big runs in the shorter format, and because they’ve been in Australia for such a long time, should be well suited to the conditions.  The draw has been kind to India too.  They play just two games at the bouncy WACA (against West Indies and UAE); a ground where their batsman may have struggled against quality opposition.

Weaknesses: The Indian seam bowling attack resembles a bit of a rabble at the moment.  Struggling in both the long formats and the shorter formats, the bowling is definitely the achilles heal of the squad.  That isn’t worrying India though, they are working on a theory whereby they play one more batsman and back themselves to chase any total.  Bowlers can concede as many as they do and their strength will bail them out.

Player to Watch: Virat Kohli is the third ranked ODI batsman in the world (and 12th best test batsman).  He has the ability to score big ODI hundreds, with 21 hundreds already to his name.  He has also been in one pretty decent form in Australia during the recent test series.  The only question is whether his shoulders can carry the weight of expectation that is now on him following Sachin Tendulkar’s retirement.

Odds: $10

Ireland

History: The Irish shocked everyone in 2007 when they qualified for the Super 8’s.  They couldn’t repeat that in 2011 but did upset England when they chased down 329 courtesy of Kevin O’Brien’s record breaking hundred.

Form: Have been okay against the minnows but hasn’t beaten a test playing nation since the last World Cup.  They are generally one of the better associate nations.

Squad: William Porterfield (capt), Andrew Balbirnie, Peter Chase, Alex Cusack, George Dockrell, Ed Joyce, Andrew McBrine, John Mooney, Max Sorensen, Kevin O’Brien, Niall O’Brien, Paul Stirling, Stuart Thompson, Gary Wilson, Craig Young.

Strengths: In a word accuracy.  They might not have out and out speed demons but their bowlers are all accurate and stifling.  In Young, Mooney and Dockrell they have three bowlers who should frustrate the opposition enough to make mistakes.

Weaknesses:  The experienced Irish are getting on in age these days.  A large portion of their squad are now over thirty, and while theres no substitute for experience we think that will mean they’re behind the eight ball for most of their matches.  They could also struggle when the pace is taken off the ball.

Player to Watch: Ed Joyce has the strange honour of having represented two different sides in consecutive World Cups.  After playing for England in 2007, Joyce then switched back to Ireland for the 2011 version.  Joyce is also a quality player, who has a huge amount of first class cricket experience and is more than capable of helping Ireland to big totals.

Odds: $501

New Zealand

History: The Black Caps have reached six semi-finals from ten tournaments and boast a record of 40 wins, 29 losses (including a forfeit against Kenya in 2003) and a no result.

Form: The co-hosts are in top form.  After knocking off Sri Lanka 4-2, the Black Caps then beat Pakistan 2-0.  Further back still they beat Pakistan again in Dubai.  The draw has also been very kind to them as they play all of their round-robin games at home.

Squad: Brendon McCullum (captain), Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Grant Elliott, Martin Guptill, Tom Latham, Mitchell McClenaghan, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Adam Milne, Luke Ronchi (wkt), Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Daniel Vettori, Kane Williamson.

Strengths: The New Zealand form is pretty special, and most of their players are in decent knick themselves.  They field sensationally, they are playing an aggressive brand of cricket and in front of their home crowd will be a force to be reckoned with.

Weaknesses: None in the makeup of the side, although they’ll be hoping Martin Guptill’s notoriously slow starts and inconsistency doesn’t derail them.  Belief could also be a factor as the Black Caps have made a host of Cricket World Cup semi-finals without ever making the final.

Player to Watch: Kane Williamson may be the most important player to any team in this tournament.  The rock in the New Zealand batting line-up Williamson holds New Zealand’s chances in his hands, despite their increased depth.  Williamson’s role is to bat through the middle overs so that McCullum, Taylor, Ronchi and Anderson can all play their naturally attacking games.  Williamson i s averaging 70 in one-day cricket matches for 2014/2015.

Odds: $6

Pakistan

History: The last time the tournament was hosted by Australia and New Zealand a star-studded Pakistan side won it.  Since then they were runners up to Australia in 1999, and semi-finalists most recently in 2011.

Form: Three consecutive ODI series defeats to Australia, New Zealand and New Zealand again mean Pakistan are not entering on the best foot. If we were being optimistic we would point out their impressive test form in 2014.

Squad: Ahmed Shehzad, Ehsan Adil, Haris Sohail, Misbah-ul-Haq (capt), Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Irfan, Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), Shahid Afridi, Sohaib Maqsood, Sohail Khan, Umar Akmal, Wahab Riaz, Yasir Shah, Younis Khan.

Strengths: Experience is important in World Cups.  Pakistan have it by the game-load.  In Younis Khan, Misbah, Hafeez and Afridi Pakistan have proven performers who could guide their side to the final staes of the comp.  They’ll need runs from all of them if they are going to compete.

Weaknesses:  The Pakistan seam bowling stocks have taken a bit of a hit.  Junaid Khan is out, Wahab Riaz is injured, and Bilawal Bhatti got smashed all round the place by New Zealand.  Come to think about it, their spin bowling stocks have also been reduced with Saeed Ajmal’s ban.

Player to Watch: Shahid Afridi has x-factor by the bucket load.  Even at 34, he will still play an important role with both bat and ball.  A top 10 ranked bowler and a destructive batsman is desirous in every team, and we’ll be watching his every move.

Odds: $15

Scotland

History: Scotland have not won a World Cup game in two appearances (1999, 2007).

Form: The Scots were excellent in World Cup qualification where they won seven straight games.  They also had some experience in Australia and New Zealand in a pre-Christmas tour of first class outfits.

Squad: Preston Mommsen (capt), Richie Berrington, Kyle Coetzer, Freddie Coleman, Matthew Cross (wk), Josh Davey, Alasdair Evans, Hamish Gardiner, Majid Haq, Michael Leask, Matt Machan, Calum MacLeod, Safyaan Sharif, Rob Taylor, Iain Wardlaw.

Strengths: Mommsen, Coetzer, Machan are all excellent batsman in their own right.  Aggressive stroke-makers who often attempt to take the game to opposition bowlers, they also represent the best chance of winning games.

Weaknesses: As much as Mommsen, Coetzer, Machan are the strengths of the side, they also represent a reliance or a weakness for the Northern underdogs. If these three don’t score runs, Scotland won’t either, and won’t win games.

Player to Watch: Majid Haq is a quality spinner with over 200 games experience.  The crafty veteran is considered one of the better bowlers from the associate nations and has a best of four wickets against the West Indies.

Odds: $2001

South Africa

History: South Africa have a shocking record considering their cricketing stocks having never won or never made the final.

Form: Most recently South Africa beat New Zealand 2-0 away from home, and then visited Australia where they lost 4-0.  In truth they did rest a few players in both of those match-ups.

Squad: Kyle Abbott, Hashim Amla, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock (wk), AB de Villiers (capt & wk), JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Aaron Phangiso, Vernon Philander, Rilee Rossouw, Dale Steyn, Imran Tahir.

Strengths: Everywhere.  But if we were to pinpoint one, it’s their pack bowlers.  Steyn, Morkel and Philander all contribute to a well balanced and threatening attack.  Look to them to devastate the world’s best batsman, before spinner Imran Tahir plays the supporting role.

Weaknesses: In the absence of Jacques Kallis the South Africans have struggled to find an impressive all-rounder.  The options – Wayne Parnell and Farhaan Behardien (after Ryan McClaren was left out) – have a big task ahead of them, one that requires them to bowl overs and score valuable runs.

Player to Watch: AB de Villiers is the best batsman in the World.  He showed that recently when he pummelled a hundred off 31 balls against the West Indies.  de Villiers was incredible when South Africa played in Australia recently, and his form will dictate how deep South Africa go.

Odds: $4

Sri Lanka

History: Sri Lanka have a consistent history of excellent World Cup performances.  The blow of losing finals in 2011 and 2007, and a semi-final in 2003, is softened by the win in 1996.

Form: A bit inconsistent of late.  Losses to India and New Zealand surrounds a series win against England.

Squad: Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Rangana Herath, Mahela Jayawardene, Dimuth Karunaratne, Nuwan Kulasekara, Suranga Lakmal, Lasith Malinga (subject to fitness), Angelo Mathews (capt), Jeevan Mendis, Thisara Perera, Dhammika Prasad, Kumar Sangakkara (wk), Sachithra Senanayake, Lahiru Thirimanne.

Strengths: Big players in big games with big experience.  Sangakkara, Jayawardene and Dilshan are those players. Sri Lanka rely on them, but that doesn’t phase the imperious three who have all scored runs in the recent New Zealand series.

Weaknesses: Probably another team weak in the seam bowling department.  Without Malinga the attack is too same/same and have failed to stop NZ lately.  Herath is quality; Mendis is handy; Dilshan useful; that leaves too much expectation (and thus targeting by other teams) on the balance.

Player to Watch: If de Villiers is the best in the World, Kumar Sangakkara is the second best.  Officially he’s the best test batsman and the fourth best ODI batsman – how good is that record?  He’ll score runs that is for certain, the test is whether does it in the big games and his bowlers can support him.

Odds: $11

United Arab Emirates 

History: Just one appearance in 1996, where they shocked the Netherlands.

Form: The most improved associated side by a long way.  They deserve their spot in the World Cup on the back of some excellent lead up form.

Squad: Mohammad Tauqir (capt), Khurram Khan (vice-capt), Swapnil Patil, Saqlain Haider, Amjad Javed, Shaiman Anwar, Amjad Ali, Nasir Aziz, Rohan Mustafa, Manjula Guruge, Andri Berenger, Fahad Al Hashmi, Muhammad Naveed, Kamran Shahzad & K Karate.

Strengths: The two 43-year olds are the mainstays of the side and their best players.  Mohammad Tauqir (capt), Khurram Khan will hopefully put their captaincy differences aside to be the key contributors for the UAE.

Weaknesses: The UAE lack the experience of the other competitors.  There are also reports that their fielding is a bit below par.

Player to Watch: The player to watch is also their captain, Mohammad Tauqir.  The offie has taken 34 wickets at 29.05 in his first class career.

Odds: $2001

West Indies

History: In the glory days the West Indies won the title in 1975 and 1979, and finished runners up in 1983. However, of late, there has been nothing to write home about.

Form: Pretty ropey.  Losses to South Africa and India on the pitch and battles off it mean the West Indies enter the tournament without posing a serious threat.

Squad: Sulieman Benn, Darren Bravo, Jonathan Carter, Sheldon Cottrell, Chris Gayle, Jason Holder (capt), Nikita Miller, Denesh Ramdin (wk), Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Darren Sammy, Marlon Samuels, Lendl Simmons, Dwayne Smith, Jerome Taylor.

Strengths: Big hitting batsman are nothing new to West Indies cricket.  Smith, Gayle, Samuels, and Russell can all swing the willow to devastating effect, but can they do it consistently?  They recently cause 236 in a Twenty20 game in South Africa but all too often if Gayle fails so does the team.

Weaknesses: Consistency issues still plague West Indies cricket.  World beaters one day, calamitous the next, the West Indies need to form throughout the full six weeks.  It could also be said the WICB selection methods are also weak after they left out stars Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard.

Player to Watch: Chris Gayle is the rock-star of the side and with multiple World Cups under his belt needs to finish with a bang to ensure he’ll still get picked up by various Twenty20 franchises from around the world.

Odds: $26

Zimbabwe

History: Zimbabwe has played in all subsequent editions of the ICC Cricket World Cup. It peaked in the 1999 and 2003 editions, making the Super Six stage each time.

Form: In its last ten ODIs, it has managed only one win, but that came against Australia in August, a three-wicket victory in Harare led by Chigumbura’s unbeaten half-century.

Squad: Elton Chigumbura (capt), Sikandar Raza, Regis Chakabva, Tendai Chatara, Chamu Chibhabha, Craig Ervine, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Hamilton Masakadza, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Solomon Mire, Tawanda Mupariwa, Tinashe Panyangara, Brendan Taylor (wk), Prosper Utseya, Sean Williams.

Strengths: More than ever before Zimbabwe have some players to rely on.  Cigumbura, Taylor, Williams, Masakadza and Utseya are more than capable of performing against ever nation, so even if they suffer early blows this Zimbabwe side can bounce back.

Weaknesses: When Heath Streak and Tatenda Taibu played the lower order more than held their own.  However, this year’s squad lacks that solidity and could be wrapped all too easily by decent bowling attacks.

Player to Watch: Brendan Taylor is the best batsman in the Zimbabwe team.  He has put together a nice record in the many forms of the game and should be comfortable on the bouncy surfaces of Australia and New Zealand (that’s probably being generous to the NZ pitches though).

Odds: $501

 

 

 

 

Cricket: Carlton Mid Tri Series Final Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

Australia’s summer ODI tri-series traditionally features a three game final series and a much longer round robin format that gives a much better indication of form for the big final(s).  This year though, in the absence of a protracted series on account of the Cricket World Cup, the final is a little harder to predict.

On the face of it, Australia have the upper hand after going through the tournament unbeaten until now.  However, if Friday night’s match at the WACA was any indication, the pitch might have a few uneven demons that could even out the fixture.  England’s familiarity with the surface could prove the only advantage they hold, that, or the weird phenomenon that sees Australia struggle after most Alan Border Medal ceremonies.

The Last Time These Two Met

Australia won both the round robin games against England.  In the first match-up of the series in Sydney, England couldn’t recover from two wickets in the opening over and eventually lost by three wickets while trying to defend just 234.  Seven days later in Hobart Ian Bell led England to 303 but once again they couldn’t stop Steven Smith (102*) and Australia running over them.  England scored 303 against a much different bowling attack and given their top order stutters in other games it’s hard to see them getting near 300 again today.

The Teams

Australia (likely): 1 David Warner, 2 Aaron Finch, 3 Steven Smith, 4 George Bailey (capt), 5 Mitchell Marsh, 6 Glenn Maxwell, 7 Brad Haddin (wk), 8 James Faulkner, 9 Mitchell Johnson, 10 Mitchell Starc, 11 Josh Hazlewood.

Despite trialling a few different combinations in the series thus far, the Australian number one line-up is relatively settled.  The side expected to play today is likely to be the side that contests the bulk of the World Cup games, save for Michael Clarke.  Mitchell Johnson returns to action for the first time in the series.

England (likely): 1 Ian Bell, 2 Moeen Ali, 3 James Taylor, 4 Joe Root, 5 Eoin Morgan (capt), 6 Ravi Bopara, 7 Jos Buttler (wk), 8 Chris Woakes, 9 Stuart Broad, 10 James Anderson, 11 Steven Finn.

England will not make any changes to the side that has remained unchanged in their last three games.

The Key Players

Mitchell Johnson – Mitchell Starc’s success in the series – he has 12 wickets to top the wicket takers chart – shows just how lethal Australia could be with two genuinely quick left armers who swing it.  Therefore, Mitchell Johnson’s inclusion is important to see how Australia’s game plan develops. i.e. is there room for another left armer in Faulkner? Will they play a spinner at all during the World Cup?

England’s Bowlers – Rather than single out one English bowler who has performed well in the series up to this point, and one that will take wickets again, we have chosen to earmark the pace quartet as being crucial to this match up.  Finn has ten wickets for the series; Woakes eight; Anderson five; all averaging less than 23.  Even Stuart Broad hinted at a return to form with two against India a few days ago for his first wickets in the series.  On an uneven WACA wicket, these four could be crucial.

The Match Odds*

Australia – $1.37

England – $3.11

*Courtesy of Sportsbet Australia.

The Prediction

We’re giving England a chance only if they bowl first and take 3 or 4 early wickets.  Otherwise, Australia have too much depth and should be too strong.  Australia by 60 runs or 4 wickets.

The Sportsbet Australia Special

Place a Top Runscorer Team A or Team B bet on the Australia v England Final to be played on Sunday February 1st.  If your bet loses but your selection hits a 6, we’ll refund your bet up to $100!

Your first bet for each team’s Top Runscorer is eligible, so you can take advantage of this special twice per match!

 

Socceroos set for historic victory in Asian Cup

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

It isn’t often that soccer steals the limelight in Australia but that will certainly be the case on Saturday if the national team beat South Korea in the final of the Asian Cup.

A sell-out crowd is expected at the ANZ Stadium in Sydney to watch Ange Postecoglou’s Socceroos bid for a first ever Asian Cup triumph. There is some debate about where the Asian Cup ranks in terms of world soccer and many would argue that qualifying for the World Cup is a far bigger achievement. Be that as it may, there is no substitute for lifting a trophy and the Aussies will be desperate to go one step further than they did in 2011. They were beaten in extra-time by Japan that year but their toughest rivals fell by the wayside at the quarter-final stage this year.

Postecoglou had come under pressure in the build-up to the competition with his side putting in some dire performances in friendlies. The goals had dried up since their brave efforts in the World Cup in Brazil but any doubts were quashed in the first group games. Australia usually rely on Tim Cahill to provide the cutting edge but ten of their players have scored at this tournament. The latest additions were Sainsbury and Davidson who each hit the target in a 2-0 semi-final win over the UAE.

Cahill is as dangerous as ever but now has the support of Leckie and Kruse as they look to break down a side that is yet to concede in the competition. The South Koreans are coached by German Uli Stieleke who made over 200 appearances for Real Madrid and represented Germany in a World Cup final. He seems to have built his side with a German mentality, proving formidable in defence and looking to hit the opposition on the counter-attack.

They employed these tactics to perfection to beat Australia in the group stages and there will be no prizes for guessing how they will line up on Saturday. Sportsbet are refunding first bets up to $100 on correct score, first goalscorer and win/score combination bets if the match goes into extra-time. With the South Koreans setting out to defend, that is perfectly possible and is well worth taking up.

Australia 1 South Korea 0 @5.50 Sportsbet

Tim Cahill to score first @5.50 Sportsbet

Tim Cahill to score and Australia win in 90 minutes @4.00 Sportsbet

Cricket: Carlton Mid Triangular Series Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

With the World Cup ominously close, the tri-series that begins in Sydney on Friday provides an excellent opportunity for all teams taking part to get some match practice in.  This year, Australia host England and India in a seven game (including the final) series featuring three fire rivals.

Here’s our guide to the action with odds from Luxbet.

Australia 

Squad: Michael Clarke (capt), George Bailey (vc), David Warner, Aaron Finch, Shane Watson, Steven Smith, Brad Haddin (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, James Faulkner, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Xavier Doherty, Kane Richardson, Gurinder Sandhu

Key Player: David Warner shapes as the crucial cog in the Australian one day machine just as he is in the other forms of the game.  We all saw how much he intimidated the Indian bowlers from the outset of test matches, causing them to bowl some absolute trash, and the one day game shouldn’t be any different.

X-Factor: The death overs of a one day international can be critical these days.  It’s no longer acceptable to score a pedestrian 60 from the final ten overs, instead totals of 100+ are closer to the norm.  One player who helps Australia achieve this more than any other is James Faulkner.  Whether it’s a rearguard bailout or capping off an already impressive total, Faulkner is equipped to take advantage of the final overs.

Form: Very strong.  Australia have prevailed in seven of their last eight one day internationals.  The results included wins against Pakistan and South Africa, and given the most recent of those games was in November 2014, the form should still be good.  The test series win against India will also do wonders for their confidence.

Odds: $1.75

Chances: The odds say it all really.  The saying goes that the shorter the cricket format the more even the playing field and the greater opportunity for upsets.  However, in their own backyard, with loads of players in form, we can’t see anything other than an Australia win.

England

Squad: Eoin Morgan (capt), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Gary Ballance, Ian Bell, Ravi Bopara, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler, Steven Finn, Alex Hales, Chris Jordan, Joe Root, James Taylor, James Tredwell, Chris Woakes

Key Player: Moeen Ali is shaping up as the England’s key man for the Carlton Mid Tri Series and the Cricket World Cup.  His combative and aggressive approach to batting is very un-English-like and is likely to kickstart England’s power play efforts.  His part time bowling is effective too making him a valuable all-rounder for the series underdogs.

X-Factor: Jos Buttler is a wicket-keeper batsman with a history of innovation and excitement.  The 24-year-old is experienced in Australian conditions after a stint in the Big Bash League with the Melbourne Renegades and that’s why we’re picking him to provide the fireworks for England.  Considering the likes of Bell, Taylor and Root can score sedately, his role is crucial.

Form: Coming off back to back series losses against Sri Lanka and India.  But, since they have arrived in Australia they have posted warm up scores of 364 and 391, possibly suggesting a change in fortune in 2015.

Odds: $4.50

Chances: The warm up form could suggest England are a chance in the tri-series, especially if they are viewed as the underdogs throughout.  Cook’s dropping might be the catalyst to a new era of ODI dominance under Eoin Morgan.

India

Squad: MS Dhoni (capt & wk), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Akshar Patel, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Stuart Binny, Dhawal Kulkarni, Mohit Sharma

Key Player: If you thought Virat Kohli was a decent test match player, just wait until you watch him play the one day game.  It’s the game where he made his name, and it’s the game in which he owns this incredible record: 146 games, 6208 runs, 21 100’s, 33 50’s, 90.5 strike rate, and 183 high score.  Kohli is the key.

X-Factor: Don’t let the pair in Sydney fool you.  Suresh Raina can play, and shorter form cricket is the game suited to the destructive left-hander.  His record at home is much better than it is away, but we’re backing him totter it around in the Carlton Mid Tri Series.

Form: Impressive.  After the West Indies walked out of the series they were losing 2-1, India called in Sri Lanka and thumped them 5-0.

Odds: $3.50

Chances: In Rahane, Kohli and Rayudu they have players in form.  That should serve them well in the format they play the most.

Cricket: Australia dominant in Sydney draw

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

Australia wrapped up the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a dominant display in a drawn fourth and final test in Sydney.  The match went right to the final session as India battled bravely to avoid a third defeat in the condensed test series.  Set a final day target of 349, India looked relatively untroubled when they went into tea at 160/2 with Kohli and Viajy in command, needing a further 189 for victory.  Of the three possible results, only an Indian victory or a draw looked possible.  However, a flurry of wickets in the final session (3 for 10 at one stage when Kohli, Raina and Saha were all dismissed) ensured a tense finish for the sizeable Sydney crowd.  Ajinkya Rahane and Bhuvneshwar Kumar were able to save the match for India; lasting 12 overs, including ten with the second new ball.

The decision to take the new ball may in hindsight have been incorrect.  Josh Hazlewood had the old ball reversing nicely, and series leading wicket-taker Nathan Lyon had it dancing out of the footmarks on a wearing surface.  While the new ball decision may have contributed to the draw, the docile Sydney pitch also played it’s part.  Lacking in pace or movement, the SCG joined the other venues in the series in contributing to a batsman friendly series that produced 5870 runs across the four tests.

Two players in particular dined out; Steven Smith for 700, Virat Kohli for 692. On the other side, Suresh Raina contributed 0 from his two innings’ in the Sydney test.

The Sydney test started, not for the first time in the series, with hundreds to David Warner and Steven Smith.  In fact most of the Australian top order got amongst the runs in a daunting first up effort of 572/7 declared.  Of note, was Shane Watsons handy half century which probably did enough to see him on the Ashes plane, but would have still irked plenty of Australian fans.  Chris Rogers missed a hundred too, but he scored six consecutive fifties to close out the series.

India’s reply was typically pugnacious.  On plenty of occasions in this series their batsman have replied well to an imposing first innings target (probably while cussing their bowlers lack of control) and this was no different.  Two test batsman KL Rahul registered a fighting first hundred; he combined nicely with Virat Kohli (147) to ease India past the follow on and make the day task much simpler.  The strengthening made to the lower order paid dividends as Ashwin, Kumar, Saha and Shami all contributed to the cause.

When they were eventually dismissed 97 behind they needed some disciplined bowling to prevent Australia from dictating the game and the timing of any declaration.  They were not able to restrict the scoring rate however, and conceded 6.27 runs per over over the 40 second innings overs.  Australia therefore raced to 251/6 with Rogers (56), Smith (71) and Burns (66) all boosting averages and strike rates against a weak attack.

Despite the late wobbles, India survived defeat in what was a fair reflection of the game.  Although the 2-0 was deserved, the Indian side showed a lot more fight than previous touring teams and have discovered some important points about their team.  Ashen was excellent in overseas conditions for the first time, KL Rahul could be a long term opening solution, and Rahane and Kohli were confirmed as World Class.

For Australia, the new captain is now one of the brightest players in the World, and while there are question marks over 3 and 6 (Burns and Marsh too) the core group of contributors all played well and got through the series injury free (Michael Clarke aside).

The teams will now compete in a Carlton Mid Triangular Series with England to warm-up for the Cricket World Cup.  The action begins January 16.

India 475 (Kohli 147, Rahul 111, Starc 3-106) and 7 for 252 (Vijay 80) drew with Australia 7 for 572 dec (Smith 117, Warner 101, Rogers 95, Shami 5-112) and 6 for 251 dec (Smith 71, Burns 66, Rogers 56, Ashwin 4-105)