India’s summer of woe will continue tomorrow night with Australia opened at $1.52 by online bookmaker sportsbet.com.au for their Twenty20 International clash at the MCG with M.S Dhoni’s side once again the distinct outsiders, this time at $2.55.

“Australia had it all over India in game one and we don’t see anything changing at the MCG. It’s that simple,” sportsbet.com.au’s Ben Hawes said.

Man of the moment David Warner is the $3.60 favourite to score the most runs for Australia while first game top scorer Matthew Wade shares the second line of betting with Travis Birt at $4.50 with hometown hero David Hussey a $5.00 chance.

Virender Sehwag is the leading chance for India at $3.65 followed by Sachin Tendulkar ($4.00) and Virat Kohli ($4.75).

Markets courtesy of sportsbet.com.au

Twenty20 International Australia v India Betting – Friday 1 February

$1.52 Australia
$2.55 India

Australian leading run scorer v India Betting

$3.60 David Warner
$4.50 Matthew Wade, Travis Birt
$5.00 Shaun Marsh, David Hussey, Aaron Finch
$7.50 Mitchell Marsh

Indian leading run scorer v Australia Betting

$3.65 Virender Sehwag
$4.00 Sachin Tendulkar
$4.75 Virat Kohli
$5.00 Gautam Gambhir

The Sydney versus Melbourne rivalry has reached new heights with news the cities are in a battle to host the 2015 cricket World Cup Final and it’s the Victorian capital that leading online bookmaker sportsbet.com.au says will win and win easily.

The MCG has been installed as the short priced favourite to host the World Cup finale at $1.10 while Sydney’s ANZ Stadium is the rank outsider at $6.00.

“This market is sure to ruffle a few feathers in Sydney town but with Melbourne’s track record in recent times we are confident they will win this battle,” sportsbet.com.au’s Ben Hawes said.

Markets courtesy of sportsbet.com.au

Venue to host the 2015 Cricket World Cup Final Betting

$1.10 MCG (Melbourne)
$6.00 ANZ Stadium (Sydney)
If no decision is made by the end of 2012, all bets will be refunded.

Australia is the $1.57 favourite with leading online bookmaker sportsbet.com.au for their Twenty20 International against India at ANZ Stadium on Wednesday night – the tourists are $2.40 outsiders.

“Although there will be plenty of personnel changes for Australia, we’re confident the Twenty20 side will pick up where the Test side left off and enjoy a winning night,” sportsbet.com.au’s Ben Hawes said.

“All of the money has come for Australia, who we opened at $1.65, and we expect they’ll start shorter than the $1.57 that is currently on offer.”

David Warner is the $3.60 favourite to top score for Australia followed by Shaun Marsh and Travis Birt (both $4.75), Aaron Finch and David Hussey (both $5.00) and Mitchell Marsh and George Bailey (both $7.50) while Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar share the top line of betting for India at $4.00.

Markets courtesy of sportsbet.com.au

Twenty20 International Australia v India – Wednesday 1 February
$1.57 Australia
$2.40 India

Australian leading run scorer v India
$3.60 David Warner
$4.75 Travis Birt, Shaun Marsh
$5.00 Aaron Finch, David Hussey
$7.50 Mitchell Marsh, George Bailey

Indian leading run scorer v Australia
$4.00 Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar
$4.75 Gautam Gambhir
$5.00 Virat Kohli
$5.50 Parthiv Patel

Get A Bet Refund If Warner Top Scores

After a dominant 4-0 test series win over India, Australia now look to keep their form going when they face off in the first of two Twenty20 matches. To celebrate the big hitting form of the game, Sportsbet will refund losing Top Australia Run-scorer bets if Dave Warner scores the most runs!

Twenty20 Sportsbet Betting Special:
• Place a Top Australia Run-scorer bet for the Australia v India match this Wednesday, February 1st at Sportsbet.
• If Dave Warner scores the most runs for Australia and you lose your bet, Sportsbet will refund your stake as cash up to $100!

Leading online bookmaker sportsbet.com.au thinks the Man of the Series award for Australia’s Test series against India is down to three candidates – all Aussies of course.

Skipper Michael Clarke is the $2.60 favourite but hot on his heels are quick bowlers Peter Siddle ($2.80) and Ben Hilfenhaus ($3.00) while Ricky Ponting is next at $11.

“Pup has been absolutely phenomenal with the bat this series and his captaincy has been almost faultless so that sees him start as favourite,” sportsbet.com.au’s Ben Hawes said.

“In saying that, both Siddle and Hilfenhaus have shredded the Indian batting line-up this series so they are close behind Clarke in the market while Punter isn’t out of the reckoning.”

Every other player from Australia and all of the Indian team are a $51 chance.

“Plenty of punters will think $51 for VVS Laxman to win it is a bit generous,” Hawes added.

Australia v India Man of the Series Betting @ Sportsbet

$2.60 Michael Clarke
$2.80 Peter Siddle
$3.00 Ben Hilfenhaus
$11 Ricky Ponting
$51 Any other player

Spinners Brad Hogg and Stuart MacGill have been revelations in the Big Bash this season and will go wrong’un-to-wrong’un in Saturday night’s final between the Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers at the WACA, and its Hogg who online bookmaker sportsbet.com.au thinks will out spin MacGill.

The left-arm Hogg is the $1.65 favourite to take more wickets than MacGill, who is at $2.25.

“Like wine, Hogg and MacGill have gotten better with age,” sportsbet.com.au’s Ben Hawes said. “With the game at the WACA and Perth having a stronger batting line-up than the Sixers, we’re favouring Brad to shade Stuart.”

“We would have liked to have opened a market on who will have the best post wicket celebration but we wouldn’t be able to split them.”

Punters can also select which of the two will finish with the best economy rate at the end of the game and who will concede the least runs off their first over.

Hogg ($1.48) is the strong favourite to end up with the best economy rate compared to MacGill ($2.60). Hogg is at $2.00 to concede the least runs off his first over with MacGill at $2.25 and a tie is at $4.00.

In match betting, the Scorchers are the $1.72 favourites and the Sixers are the $2.12 outsiders.

Perth Scorchers v Sydney Sixers Betting @ Sportsbet – Saturday, 28 January

$1.72 Perth Scorchers
$2.12 Sydney Sixers

Brad Hogg v Stuart MacGill – most wickets Betting @ Sportsbet

$1.65 Brad Hogg
$2.25 Stuart MacGill

Brad Hogg v Stuart MacGill – best economy rate Betting @ Sportsbet

$1.48 Brad Hogg
$2.60 Stuart MacGill

Brad Hogg v Stuart MacGill – to concede the least runs of their first over Betting @ Sportsbet

$2.00 Brad Hogg
$2.25 Stuart MacGill
$4.00 Tie

After being priced as the $8.50 outsiders to win the Big Bash before a ball was bowled, the Perth Scorchers are one win away from taking the title and online bookmaker sportsbet.com.au is tipping they will go all the way, installing them as $1.68 favourites to beat the Sydney Sixers ($2.18) in Saturday night’s final.

After losing their first match, the Scorchers drifted out to $11 to win the title before shortening to $7.00 in late December, to $4.75 in early January, to $3.00 after beating Perth on January 18 and now $1.68 – corresponding with their run of six wins from seven matches.

Like Perth, the Sixers were also given little hope of success after being installed at $8.00 before the tournament started before drifting out to $11 in early January after an inconsistent run of results. Since, they’ve won four straight matches, shortening into $7.00, $4.75 and now $2.18.

“Perth has the home track advantage, a potent and in-form batting line-up and a good mix of bowlers so they are deserved favourites,” sportsbet.com.au’s Ben Hawes said.

“So the question is whether the Sixers can win again as the outsiders?”

Markets courtesy of sportsbet.com.au
Perth Scorchers v Melbourne Stars – Saturday, 28 January
$1.68 Perth Scorchers
$2.18 Sydney Sixers

Shane Warne’s Melbourne Stars are the $1.68 favourites with online bookmaker sportsbet.com.au for their must win Big Bash clash against the Adelaide Strikers ($2.18) at the MCG on Thursday night.

Melbourne duo Rob Quiney and David Hussey are the $3.75 favourites to top score for the Stars with record breaker Luke Wright next at $4.00, while Warne is at $101. Michael Klinger is the $4.00 favourite for the Strikers, followed by Aiden Blizzard ($4.25), Dan Harris ($5.00) and Callum Ferguson ($5.50).

“It’s a must win game for the Stars if they want to play finals cricket,” sportsbet.com.au’s Ben Hawes said. “They have the big names and experience to win this and, of course, are playing at home which is a huge advantage.”

Markets courtesy of sportsbet.com.au

Melbourne Stars v Adelaide Strikers – Thursday, 19 January

$1.68 Melbourne Stars
$2.18 Adelaide Strikers

Melbourne Stars Leading Run Scorer v Adelaide Strikers

$3.75 Rob Quiney, David Hussey
$4.00 Luke Wright
$6.50 George Bailey, Cameron White, Matthew Wade
…….
$101 Shane Warne
Others quoted

Adelaide Strikers Leading Run Scorer v Melbourne Stars

$4.00 Michael Klinger
$4.25 Aiden Blizzard
$5.00 Daniel Harris
$5.50 Callum Ferguson
Others quoted

Big Bash League Championship Winner

(prices in brackets from Wednesday, 18 January)
$3.10 Perth Scorchers (out from $3.00)
$3.85 Hobart Hurricanes (steady)
$4.75 Sydney Sixers (steady)
$5.50 Melbourne Stars (out from $4.75)
$8.50 Brisbane Heat (in from $17)
$15 Adelaide Strikers (in from $17)
$101 Melbourne Renegades (out from $51)

Sydney Sixers v Perth Scorchers Big Bash Betting on Wednesday 18 January, 2012 at SCG at 7.00pm.

Sydney Sixers Form

Game 1 – defeated Brisbane Heat by seven wickets (with eight balls remaining) at SCG (16/12)
Game 2 – lost to Hobart Hurricanes by 42 runs at Blundstone Arena (21/12)
Game 3 – defeated Melbourne Stars by two runs at SCG (27/12)
Game 4 – lost to Melbourne Renegades by eight wickets (with 14 balls remaining) at Etihad Stadium (2/1)
Game 5 – defeated Sydney Thunder by 17 runs (under D/L method) at ANZ Stadium (8/1)
Game 6 – defeated Adelaide Strikers by 64 runs at Adelaide Oval (10/1)
v Perth Scorchers at SCG (18/1)

Perth Scorchers Form

Game 1 – lost to Hobart Hurricanes by 31 runs at WACA (18/12)
Game 2 – defeated Melbourne Renegades by eight wickets (with four balls remaining) at Etihad Stadium (22/12)
Game 3 – defeated Brisbane Heat by 10 runs at WACA (29/12)
Game 4 – defeated Melbourne Stars by eight runs at MCG (4/1)
Game 5 – defeated Adelaide Strikers by 42 runs at WACA (8/1)
Game 6 – defeated Sydney Thunder by nine wickets (with 35 balls remaining) at ANZ Stadium (11/1)
v Sydney Sixers at SCG (18/1)

Sydney Sixers Betting

Stephen Smith has all the talent in the world and has so much potential at such a young age. But it’s far to say the 22-year-old is struggling for form at the moment and is in desperate need of a confidence boost. Smith has been getting plenty of starts with the bat but failing to go on with it, managing just 82 runs from six innings. However the leg-spinning all-rounder showed promising signs with the ball against the Stars a few weeks ago, taking 2-27 from his four overs. He also took an economical 1-18 against the Strikers last game. As skipper, a confident knock with the bat will give Smith and his teammates a tremendous confidence boost.

Perth Scorchers Betting

We have seen a different side of Marcus North during the Big Bash League this summer – and it has been an encouraging side. The 32-year-old has been moved up to open the batting and has thrived in his four matches there, scoring 153 runs at an average of 38. North has played both the aggressor and timid roles in building partnerships with his teammates. The Scorchers skipper was the aggressor during his innings of 70 and opening partnership of 102 with Herschelle Gibbs, but played the laid back role during his innings of 38 not out against the Thunder batting with Mitch Marsh. North can no longer be underestimated – he is a different player!

Sydney Sixers Team

1. Moises Henriques
2. Michael Lumb
3. Nic Maddinson
4. Ben Rohrer
5. Steven Smith (C)
6. Dominic Thornley/Mitchell Starc
7. Nathan McCullum
8. Peter Nevill (WK)/Brad Haddin
9. Steve O’Keefe
10. Brett Lee
11. Stuart MacGill

Perth Scorchers Team

1. Herschelle Gibbs
2. Marcus North (C)
3. Mitchell Marsh
4. Simon Katich
5. Luke Ronchi (WK)
6. Paul Collingwood/Shaun Marsh
7. Brad Hogg
8. Nathan Rimmington
9. Nathan Coulter-Nile
10. Michael Beer
11. Ben Edmondson

Bet on Sydney Sixers v Perth Scorchers

There is no doubt this is the game of the round and the result will be crucial in determining where the two semi-finals will be played on the weekend.

Both the Sixers and the Scorchers head into this match after annihilating their respective opposing sides last round.

Sydney finally put together two consecutive victories last round when it annihilated the Adelaide Strikers by 64 runs. It was a different looking Sixers outfit, which included a little more experience and a different batting order. Moises Henrqiues benefitted from opening the batting, accumulating 42 from 37 balls.

But it was the Sixers’ bowling that turned heads. They used five spinners during the Strikers’ innings, including Stephen O’Keefe who captured 3-20 from his four overs in his comeback game. Stuart MacGill, Steve Smith and new recruit Nathan McCullum combined for five wickets and all had economy rates of 4.5 or under.

Perth was just as impressive last round, smashing the Thunder by nine wickets at ANZ Stadium. The Scorchers dismissed the home team for a miserable 99, with Nathan Coulter-Nile capturing 3-9 and two run outs, while Brad Hogg picked up a lazy 2-8 from his four overs.

In reply, the Scorchers were lethal. After losing Luke Ronchi on the second ball of the innings, skipper North and Mitch Marsh went on a rampage, chasing down the target with 35 balls to spare. Marsh smashed his way to a career-high 64 not out, while North played an excellent second fiddle role to finish on 38 not out.

Despite the Scorchers’ awesome form this summer, this game will be a lot closer than most expect. The Sixers seem to have found the right personnel and could be boosted by the returns of Brad Haddin and Mitchell Starc. Having said that, Shaun Marsh has also been given the all clear to play for Perth – a huge bonus.

The Sixers will give the Scorchers a big run for their money at the SCG. You’d still back the Scorchers to win though, but only just.

Sixers-Scorchers Best Bets

Perth Scorchers to win ($1.81 – Centrebet)

Herschelle Gibbs Scorchers High Bat ($3.40 – Sportsbet)

Brett Lee Sixers Most Wickets ($4.00 – Centrebet)

Melbourne Stars v Adelaide Strikers Big Bash Betting on Thursday 19 January, 2012 at MCG at 7.00pm.

Melbourne Stars Form

Game 1 – lost to Sydney Thunder by six wickets (with six balls remaining) at MCG (17/12)
Game 2 – defeated Brisbane Heat by eight runs at ‘Gabba (20/12)
Game 3 – lost to Sydney Sixers by two runs at SCG (27/12)
Game 4 – lost to Perth Scorchers by eight runs at MCG (4/1)
Game 5 – defeated Melbourne Renegades by 11 runs (under D/L method) at MCG (7/1)
Game 6 – defeated Hobart Hurricanes by 19 runs at Blundstone Arena (9/1)
v Adelaide Strikers at MCG (19/1)

Adelaide Strikers Form

Game 1 – defeated Melbourne Renegades by 67 runs at Adelaide Oval (18/12)
Game 2 – lost to Sydney Thunder by six wickets (with nine balls remaining) at ANZ Stadium (23/12)
Game 3 – lost to Hobart Hurricanes by 14 runs at Adelaide Oval (28/12)
Game 4 – defeated Brisbane Heat by 31 runs at ‘Gabba (3/1)
Game 5 – lost to Perth Scorchers by 42 runs at WACA (8/1)
Game 6 – lost to Sydney Sixers by 64 runs at Adelaide Oval (10/1)
v Melbourne Stars at MCG (19/1)

Melbourne Stars Betting

Has there ever been a bigger name in world cricket than Shane Keith Warne? Probably not. He may be 42, but Warne is looking fitter than ever and is in reasonable form after six straight games with the Stars. The legendary leg-spinner has taken a wicket in each of his past five games to leave him on seven wickets for the competition. But Warne’s biggest attribute has simply been the respect he’s demanded, therefore batsmen are playing him with plenty of respect and he’s not going for many runs. However the blonde bombshell is due for a big bag and Thursday night could be his night against the struggling Strikers at his beloved MCG.

Adelaide Strikers Betting

When Adelaide fans found out their international import was a guy by the name of Alfonso Thomas, you could almost hear the collective ‘who’s that?’ around the city. So who is Alfonso Thomas then? He’s 34-years-old and an outstanding T20 fast bowler. Thomas is the fourth-highest wicket-taker in domestic T20 history, claiming 137 wickets from 118 matches at an impressive average of 20.78. It’s amazing to think he has only played one T20 international for South Africa. Thomas was one of the rare highlights in the Strikers’ big loss to the Sixers last round, claiming 3-24 from his four overs. Hopefully, for his team’s sake, he can repeat the dose against the Stars at the MCG.

Melbourne Stars Team

1. Rob Quiney
2. Luke Wright
3. George Bailey
4. David Hussey
5. Cameron White (C)
6. Matthew Wade (WK)
7. James Faulkner
8. Chris Simpson/Peter Handscomb
9. Clint McKay
10. Shane Warne
11. Jackson Bird

Adelaide Strikers Team

1. Daniel Harris
2. Michael Klinger (C)
3. Aiden Blizzard/Callum Ferguson
4. Tom Cooper
5. Cameron Borgas
6. Adam Crosthwaite (WK)
7. Aaron O’Brien
8. Brendan Drew
9. Daniel Salpietro
10. Kane Richardson
11. Alfonso Thomas

Bet On Melbourne Stars v Adelaide Strikers

The final regular fixture match of the Big Bash League will have plenty of baring on how the semi-finals will shape up on the weekend.

Melbourne is finally playing the level of T20 cricket we all expected them to play. The Stars have won their past two matches against the Renegades and the Hurricanes respectively and a few players have looked in ominous form. None more so than Luke Wright.

The English all-rounder was moved up to open the batting with Rob Quiney against the Hurricanes – and he didn’t disappoint. Wright played the innings of the tournament, smashing 117 runs off only 60 balls. He hit eight fours, a whopping nine sixes and shared a 172-run opening partnership with Quiney to guide the Stars to 3-203 off their 20 overs. The Stars bowlers then restricted the Hurricanes to 9-184.

What the heck has happened to the Adelaide Strikers? After starting the tournament in such promising form, the Strikers have lost four of their past five games.

The wheels have really come off in their past two losses, going down by 42 and 64 runs to the Scorchers and Sixers respectively. They haven’t had a balanced side for a while and the lack of team chemistry is apparent.

Only one spot separates these two teams on the BBL ladder, but there’s a mountain of class in between. The Stars currently sit in fourth spot and will know that four other teams could replace them if they don’t win this game.

With Wright and Quiney in good form, as well as Cameron White and Warne due for big games in front of their home crowd, expect the Stars to do this easily.

Stars-Thunder Best Bets

Melbourne Stars to win ($1.72 – Sportsbet)

Rob Quiney Stars High Bat ($3.75 – Sportsbet)

Hobart Hurricanes v Melbourne Renegades Big Bash Betting on Wednesday 18 January, 2012 at Blundstone Arena at 4.00pm.

Hobart Hurricanes Form

Game 1 – defeated Perth Scorchers by 31 runs at WACA (18/12)
Game 2 – defeated Sydney Sixers by 42 runs at Blundstone Arena (21/12)
Game 3 – defeated Adelaide Strikers by 14 runs at Adelaide Oval (28/12)
Game 4 – defeated Sydney Thunder by five wickets (with eight balls remaining) at Blundstone Arena (1/1)
Game 5 – lost to Brisbane Heat by three runs at ‘Gabba (6/1)
Game 6 – lost to Melbourne Stars by 19 runs at Blundstone Arena (9/1)
v Melbourne Renegades at Blundstone Arena (18/1)

Melbourne Renegades Form

Game 1 – lost to Adelaide Strikers by 67 runs at Adelaide Oval (18/12)
Game 2 – lost to Perth Scorchers by eight wickets (with four balls remaining) at Etihad Stadium (22/12)
Game 3 – defeated Sydney Thunder by six runs at ANZ Stadium (30/12)
Game 4 – defeated Sydney Sixers by eight wickets (with 14 balls remaining) at Etihad Stadium (2/1)
Game 5 – lost to Melbourne Stars by 11 runs (under D/L method) at MCG (7/1)
Game 6 – lost to Brisbane Heat by 12 runs at Etihad Stadium (12/1)
v Hobart Hurricanes at Blundstone Arena (18/1)

Hobart Hurricanes Betting

Owais Shah has looked at home since slipping on a Hurricanes shirt, especially in the past three matches. The 33-year-old English veteran has only been dismissed three times in his six matches and has scored 233 runs. Despite his team’s losses in the past two consecutive games, Shah has been outstanding, conjuring knocks of 69 and 55 during the Hurricanes’ two chases. The Renegades need to get the right-handed batsmen in as early as possible and dismiss him just as quickly, otherwise he could cause some serious headaches for Andrew McDonald’s men.

Melbourne Renegades Betting

Aaron Finch has really announced himself as genuine world-class batsman over the past 12 to 18 months. The 25-year-old has become a regular member of Victoria’s top order and even forced his way into opening the batting in the Sheffield Shield. But Finch is at his best in the T20 format, using his brute strength and power to hammer bowlers to the boundary. The right-hander averages more in domestic T20 (36.54) than any other format. In fact he’s played two matches for Australia, including one against England this year where he hit 53 not out in front of his home crowd at the MCG. Finch played a lovely knock of 72 during the Renegades’ most recent loss, so he will be keen to continue that form into Wednesday’s match.

Hobart Hurricanes Team

1. Phil Jaques
2. Jonathon Wells
3. Travis Birt
4. Owais Shah
5. Tom Triffit (WK)
6. Rhett Lockyear
7. Matt Johnston
8. Jason Krejza/Michael Hogan
9. Rana Naveed
10. Xavier Doherty (C)
11. Ben Laughlin

Melbourne Renegades Team

1. Aaron Finch
2. Brad Hodge
3. Glenn Maxwell
4. Andrew McDonald (C)
5. Shahid Afridi
6. Nathan Reardon
7. Abdul Razzaq
8. Graham Manou (WK)
9. Shane Harwood
10. Aaron Heal
11. Dirk Nannes

Bet On Hobart Hurricanes v Melbourne Renegades

This is a must-win game for both sides. One team needs to win to keep its finals hopes alive, while the other is assured of a spot in the finals but needs to win to ensure a home semi-final.

Hobart was the form team of the Big Bash League – until it lost its way with the ball and perhaps got a little complacent. The Hurricanes have conceded big totals of 201 and 203 in their past two games against the Heat and the Stars respectively.

On both occasions, the opposition was batting first – and we all know how difficult it is to chase a big total, rather than set a big total. All the bowlers need to do is to find those awkward line and lengths again and mix up the pace as much as possible. Winning the toss and batting first might help too.

Despite Melbourne’s poor campaign to date – you could probably say it has been the most disappointing team of the tournament – it is still a chance of making the finals. However the Renegades have to win this game by a big margin and rely on a few other results to fall their way.

At times, the Renegades have looked invincible. Unfortunately it’s just been that – at times. With the likes of Finch, Brad Hodge, Andrew McDonald, Shahid Afridi, Dirk Nannes and Shaun Tait, you would have though the Renegades would be pushing for a home final at this stage. But inconsistency, plus an ageing roster, has meant results haven’t always gone their way.

In reality though, it’s close to impossible to see the Renegades making the finals now, so morality amongst the men in red could be an issue. In complete contrast, the Hurricanes should be ripe for this match coming off two straight losses and knowing a win is a necessity if they want a home semi-final. If Xavier Doherty wins the toss and bats first, the Hurricanes are on their way to victory.

Hurricanes-Renegades Best Bets

Hobart Hurricanes to win ($1.77 – Sportsbet)

Travis Birt Hurricanes High Bat ($3.25 – Sportsbet)

Shahid Afridi Renegades Most Wickets ($3.50 – Centrebet)