Cricket: Australia v India Test Series – Odds and Betting Preview

Story by George Coombs on 2011-12-22 22:30:00

AUSTRALIA – India are this year’s  visitors Down-Under in what looks set to be a cracking four match test series held across the festive period. Australia come into this series on the back of two 1-1 drawn series against New Zealand and South Africa, whereas India regained some confidence in this format of the game beating the West Indies 2-0 in their recent series in the sub-continent. India have never won a test series on Australian soil and for many of India’s old guard this will be the final opportunity to try and complete this feat before they retire.

Australia are the 13/10 favourites with Coral and BetVictor to win this home test series whilst the visitors, India, are a standout 15/8 at Stan James. A draw over the four tests has been quoted at 3/1 with most firms including Paddy Power and Ladbrokes.

In the Series Correct Score betting, Australia are 11/2 at Blue Square to win by a 2-1 score line and 12/1 at bet365 to win by three matches to nil. An Australian 4-0 whitewash is a massive 33/1 with Skybet considering India’s poor record away from home this year. India are 13/2 at bet365 to win by two games to one whilst the 1-1 draw is a standout 7/1 with Ladbrokes.

Australia have been making steady progress since the long-time deputy, Michael Clarke, took over the captaincy from Ricky Ponting and a win here would continue their momentum. The team enjoyed a series win against Sri Lanka before drawing with South Africa, both away from home. They then drew with New Zealand on home turf in a thrilling series where a young Australian side, missing several key player, routed the Black Ferns in three days at the Gabba. The betting remains open for this series as new coach Mickey Arthur has a growing injury list and will be without; Shane Watson, Ryan Harris and new bowling sensation Pat Cummins. The selectors recently announced their squad for the first test which showed a clear transition to new talent with Ed Cowan in line for his test debut in the Boxing Day opener.

India have shown some improvement back at home after their 4-0 whitewash at the hands of the newly crowned number one test side, England, in the summer. They face an Australian side in transition and have their best chance of securing an elusive test series win on their tenth attempt in Australia. India have two of the most prolific test batsmen of all time in Tendulkar and Dravid and their experience combined with new young talent will give them a formidable batting line-up.

In the Top Australian Batsman Market , skipper Michael Clarke is the most prominent player at 4/1 with Ladbrokes. He scored a century on debut against India and will be eager to lead from the front in front of home supporters. Former captain Ricky Ponting is next at 9/2 with Stan James with the experience Michael Hussey a general 5/1 chance. The new man Ed Cowan is 6/1 with Blue Square to have an exception first series in the Baggy Green and score the most runs for his side.

India have some exceptional players within their batting ranks and Rahul Dravid is the 4/1 favourite to be the Top Indian Batsman. He has been in superb form in 2011, even as his side has stuttered, hitting more test boundaries than any other player in world cricket with 117 fours and three sixes. Virender Sehwag is a general 4/1 chance in this market whilst Sachin Tendulkar is 9/2 with BetVictor and the Indian legend is still in search of his 100th international hundred. Virat Kohli looks overpriced at 10/1 with Stan James whilst MS Dhoni is 14/1 with Skybet.

The Top Australian Bowler market is headed by Peter Siddle at 5/2 with Boylesports and James Pattinson closely follows at 7/2 with BetVictor. Ben Hilfenhaus a 9/2 chance at William Hill has been playing very well in the newly formed Big Bash league and should take his place in the attack for the first test. Nathan Lyon is 5/1 with the same firm and looks the off break bowler looks set to play a big role in this series.

India have lost two of their top pace bowlers before a ball has been bowled as Praveen Kumar and Varun Aaron have been ruled out of the tour by injury. The spinner Ravichandran Ashwin will need to set-up in this series and is priced at 10/3 with Stan James to be the Top Indian Bowler. Ishant Sharma and Zaheer Khan are both priced at 7/2 with BetVictor whilst Umesh Yadav was impressive against the West Indies and is 9/2 with bet365 in this market.

The series begins with the customary Boxing Day test and play is broadcast live on Sky Sports 1 at 23.00 GMT on Sunday 25th December.

Australia v India – Series Winner Odds
Australia v India – Top Series Australian Batsman Odds
Australia v India – Top Series Indian Batsman Odds
Australia v India – Top Series Australian Bowler Odds
Australia v India – Top Series Indian Bowler Odds
Australia v India – Series Correct Score Betting