It may be gloomy outside but there are plenty of reasons for cricket fans to be cheerful about the next twelve months. In fact, this year is more tightly packed with goodies than Jesse Ryder's picnic hamper; a year in which age-old conflicts will be re-opened and new heroes made, writes Andrew Hughes.

There will be gripping Test cricket, thrilling Twenty20, lots to talk about and plenty of good bets to be had in 2009. So rouse yourself from your post-Christmas malaise and feast your eyes on these treats as we preview the events that are going to define cricket this year.

Clash in the Cape

Like a battered heavyweight, the Aussies finally hit the canvas at Melbourne. Now they need to get back into training for the re-match. Their last gasp victory against a depleted and already victorious South African side will not bring much satisfaction. Nor will they find it in the upcoming one day series, for which they are [1.63] favourites. Expect a leaner, hungrier Aussie outfit to board that Quantas jet to the Cape in February with one thing on their mind. Revenge. At stake is the number one spot in the ICC rankings and the right to call themselves the best team in the world.

Money Money Money Money

Break out the gold batting pads and multi-coloured stumps because the IPL is back. From 10th April to 29th May the gravy train will be rolling around the subcontinent, trailing dollar bills in its wake. You can expect six weeks of fireworks, modestly attired cheerpersons and lots and lots of (sponsored) sixes. It isn't clear yet how many English players will be taking part but Kevin Pietersen is now more available than he was and it isn't hard to imagine Flintoff finding a buyer. Last year's inaugural bash was won by the underrated Rajasthan Royals and punters looking to cash in this time should not be swayed by the teams with the big name players.

Here Come The Girls

The last Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa was a big success and opened the eyes of the world (and most significantly, of India) to the possibilities of the shortest format. Despite the fact that the last one was held as recently as September 2007, the ICC was chomping at the bit to throw another party and so here it is. This time round, it's being held in the birthplace of Twenty20, good old Blighty, from the 5th to the 21st June and in an interesting development, the inaugural women's version is being held at the same time. Australia are likely to start as favourites for the men's title, but they crashed out last time and with their attention focused elsewhere this summer, it might be wise to look around for an alternative.

The Main Event

With due apologies to every other cricketing contest, the Ashes is the one that really, really matters. It's been going since 1882 and is as popular as ever, indeed tickets for most grounds have been selling out within hours of going on sale. It has been fascinating to watch the way the Ashes betting market has shifted as the fortunes of both teams have fluctuated. My Betfair colleague Ed Hawkins wrote an excellent summary of the market turmoil yesterday. At the time of writing, England are [2.82] to regain the Ashes, with the Aussies on [1.97] but with both teams going through transitions of different kinds, expect the market to remain volatile for a while. The First Test is in Cardiff on 8th July and though there are fewer big names involved this time round, it is likely to be just as keenly fought as the 2005 classic.

The March Of Mendis

The unassuming Sri Lankan is likely to loom large in world cricket this year and Twenty20 World Cup is the perfect stage for him. Ajantha Mendis is like nothing you've seen before, unless you can remember the legendary Sydney Barnes. He bowls at slow medium pace, employs swing, seam and every spin variation you can name whilst retaining tight control of flight, pace, drift and accuracy. England had a lucky escape when Sri Lanka cancelled their May tour. Look out for Marvellous Mendis in 2009.

Comments (1)

1. Lån Penge | 21 May 2009

   2009 is going to be a great cricket year!

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