Cricket: 2nd Test Match – South Africa v Sri Lanka Odds and Betting Preview

Story by George Coombs on 2011-12-26 00:59:14

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA – Sri Lanka will hope to bounce back in the second test against South Africa on Boxing Day, after an abject performance in the opening game of this three match series. The hosts will be full of confidence as they bid to win this game and secure their first home series win in almost three years. Sri Lanka should take a glimmer of hope from the fact that South Africa have lost their two previous Boxing Day matches at this venue.

South Africa are the overwhelming 4/9 favourites with Blue Square to win this test whilst Sri Lanka are 10/1 with Paddy Power to secure an unlikely victory. A draw over the five days is priced at 3/1 with bet365.

South Africa dominated the first test match of the series, securing victory within three days as they bowled the visitors out for below 200 in both innings. Dale Steyn was in superb form and was backed up very well by Vernon Philander, a man who picked up a five-wicket haul in the second innings. Philander injured his knee in training this week  but should take his place in an unchanged South African XI.

Sri Lanka have not won a test match since the iconic Muttiah Muralitharan retired from the game in a run that now stretches to 15 games. They face a formidable South African bowling attack on what looks set to be a green track with overcast conditions which will really test their batting line-up. Mid-week rain is forecast which should aid the Sri Lankans but they need to drastically improve to last the full five days. The Sri Lankans have new injury problems as Angelo Mathews is a doubt after straining his groin in the opening test and their selectors face a difficult task as they look to help their side out of the recent slump.

Jacques Kallis has been installed as the 7/2 favourite in the Top South African Batsman market and the veteran has a very good record in Durban, averaging over 60 runs here. Sri Lanka are the only team which Kallis has not scored a Test century against and he will bid to end this run in the Boxing Day test. Hashim Amla and Graeme Smith are both priced at 4/1 whilst South Africa’s top scorer in the first test AB de Villers, is quoted at 5/1 with Ladbrokes.

In the Top Sri Lankan Batsman betting Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene are both 7/2 chances at Stan James. The pair need to rediscover their best form if Sri Lanka are to have any chance in this pivotal test. The Sri Lankan batsman have struggled with the conditions in South Africa and Tillakaratne Dilshan and Tharanga Paranavitana are both 5/1 chance to top score for their side.

Dale Steyn is a general 2/1 shot in the Top South African Bowler betting and he collected six wickets in the innings and 81 run victory in Centurion. The man of the match in that game, Vernon Philander is 5/2 with BetVictor to again show what a talent he is will ball in hand whilst Morne Morkel is a standout 4/1 at Stan James.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers have failed to take 20 wickets in a game since their world-class spinner hung up his boots. Their spin attack are less potent outside the sub-continent as their pace attack did not deliver in Centurion. Chanaka Welegedara is 3/1 at bet365 in the Top Sri Lankan Bowler market whist Dilhara Fernando is 7/2 with Stan James. Ajantha Mendis is quoted at 4/1 with Blue Square and Thisara Perera is the same 4/1 price with BetVictor.

Play begins at 08.00 GMT on Boxing Day and the game is broadcast live on Sky Sports 1.

South Africa v Sri Lanka – Match Result Odds
South Africa v Sri Lanka – Top South African Batsman Odds
South Africa v Sri Lanka – Top Sri Lankan Batsman Odds
South Africa v Sri Lanka – Top South African Bowler Odds
South Africa v Sri Lanka – Top Sri Lankan Bowler Odds