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T20 World Cup Betting: Australia v West Indies

Twenty20 World Cup RSS / / 05 June 2009 /

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Australia and West Indies have both had their problems in the lead up to the World Twenty20, so which side will cope best when they meet at The Oval? Ed Hawkins has the answer

Team news

Australia's preparations for World Twenty20 were going smoothly until Andrew Symonds decided to go out for a swift one. Symonds has been sent home for breaking team rules, weakening an Aussie side in the time it takes to down a pint. All-rounder Cameron White is his replacement. The real beneficiary could be James Hopes, who should be ahead of White in the pecking order for the all-rounder spot.

West Indies could be forgiven for feeling a little put out that Australia are trying to steal their mantle as the outfit in disarray.
Gusto and gumption have been sadly lacking since they arrived in England and any hope that would raise their game for Twenty20 appeared to be dashed when they were hopeless in the warm-up against England at Lord's on Wednesday. Captain Chris Gayle couldn't be bothered to play in the nine-wicket humbling. He should be back to open the batting on Saturday, though.

Conditions

The sun should be out by the time the teams take to the field for the second match of the day at The Oval. On a true surface, batsmen will swing through the line of the ball with confidence.

Match odds

We all know that Australia are a better team than West Indies. But there is a more pertinent difference between the two sides when we look at the match odds: Australia revel in adversity, West Indies revile it. The Symonds incident will only serve to galvanise Australia and West Indies could be the ones to suffer.

At [1.55] Australia are just not short enough. They have a poor record in this format - a win percentage of only 52 - but West Indies, who are [2.80], are far worse with a mark of 36. Australia surely need only to perform with discipline to put one foot in the Super Eights.

The greatest threat to Australia are pacemen Fidel Edwards and Jerome Taylor. See those two off, though, and Australia will be happy to take on back up bowlers like Lionel Baker, Darren Sammy and Kieron Pollard.

Top batsman

When these sides met - in a rain-reduced 11-over contest won by West Indies in Bridgetown in 2008 - openers dominated with Luke Ronchi and Xavier Marshall top scoring. Ronchi is not involved this time while Marshall might be given the chance to partner Gayle. Australia will put their faith in Shane Watson and David Warner at Nos 1 and 2. Gayle is [3.50] favourite for the Windies while Warner shares jolly status with Ricky Ponting at [4.30].

Featured market

West Indies' running in their defeat to England at Lord's on Wednesday was shambolic, resulting in two run outs. Over 1.5 match run outs could be a popular market.

Ed Hawkins says back Australia at [1.55]

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