Sunday, May 20th, 2012
The Cricket World Cup odds have India as favourites for the feast/marathon of one-day cricket coming up.
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Australia are the Cup holders but lots has changed in their side since the last World Cup.
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11/4 India, 9/2 Sri Lanka, 5/1 Australia, 11/2 South Africa, England, 15/2 Pakistan, 20/1 bar
So here we go with 14 nations battling away for this title. It does seem like another stop for the cricket circus – once this is done the IPL will be back with us. And so it goes on. That said, the event will attract huge audiences in India and across the sub-continent.
India start rightly as favourites with home advantages and the list of batting talent at their disposal, most notably the Sehwag/Tendulkar opening combo. Home conditions of course, always help, which perhaps explains why Sri Lanka are second favourites here. The draw also works in their favour, as they are likely to get home advantage at significant times. This is the final bow for Muttiah Muralitharan, and they do have enough talent at the top of the order to give him totals to defend.
Pakistan have troubles and talent. What’s new? The squad looks capable of winning, but who knows where they are mentally.
Australia come into this tournament after an easy series win over England. They do have an effective one day bowling attack in Shaun Tait and Brett Lee, but their batting is not as strong as the vintage sides, even with Michael Hussey.
South Africa are arguably the most talented side in the event, with Graeme Smith, Dale Steyn and Jacques Kallis among others. History dictates that they are bridesmaids, and it might require mental strength as much as anything.
One team who might defy the odds are Bangladesh. They face the out of form England and West Indies in their group, and have a shot at beating them, if their high risk batting, lead by Tamim Iqbal, comes off.
We like Sri Lanka @ 9/2 with Betfred – use the link to claim a free £50 bet on the Cricket World Cup with Betfred.