Asian XI hold all the cards

Not content with just having played a World Cup and seemingly playing a one-day series every month, several of the India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and South Africa sides are back in action for a three-game series between an Asian XI and African XI, beginning in Bangalore on Wednesday.

On paper, the Asian side looks far stronger, and bet365 make them 1/6 (1.16) to win the opening match, not surprising, especially as they have "home" advantage.

Jacques Kallis is missing for the African XI, while Shaun Pollock has said he won't bowl and Makhaya Ntini is missing for personal reasons, leaving the pace attack led largely by inexperienced Zimbabwe bowlers.

The Asian XI, by contrast, boast Sanath Jayasuriya, Mahela Jayawardene, Sourav Ganguly and the brilliant Mohammad Yousuf, while the bowling is led by Zaheer Khan and Mohammad Asif, with the option of Harbhajan Singh.

The two sides will have to deal with high temperatures in Bangalore and though nothing can be taken for granted in one-day cricket, the Asian XI look to hold all the cards and anything other than a win for them would be a surprise.