Aussies big favourites against Sri Lanka

After washouts in the first two matches of the series, Australia and Sri Lanka will be hoping that the sun will shine in Sydney on Friday when they clash in the Commonwealth Bank series, a match for which the home side are predictably big favourites.

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Sri Lanka didn't really have much chance to show what kind of form they are in on Tuesday when they played just half a match against India. They bowled ok, though, and since their batting and their experience is their strength, they will be hopeful of turning it on pretty quickly against the three-time world champions.

However, bet365 clearly think that won't matter too much as they make Australia 2/7 (1.28) to win the match, compared to 5/2 to Sri Lanka, which is pretty big when you consider that Sri Lanka did, after all, reach the final of the World Cup last year.

Australia will be confident of victory on home soil, as always, but even more so since Matt Hayden is back in their side after missing the opener against India. The left-hander has been struggling for full fitness in recent weeks but if he is 100 percent, then he represents a big threat to Sri Lanka's hopes.

Hayden is second favourite, at 10/3, to top-score for Australia, just behind his captain Ricky Ponting, the 3/1 favourite. Adam Gilchrist is 7/2 third-favourite, and he looks like he might be about to hit top form.

Behind them, there is a little gap to Michael Clarke, at 11/2, Andrew Symonds at 6/1 and Michael Hussey at 15/2.

For Sri Lanka, as they were in their first match, Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene find themselves at the top of the list. Sangakkara just shades favouritism at 3/1, with his captain a 7/2 chance.

Sanath Jayasuriya, who loves playing against Australia and always seems to raise his game for the big occasions, is 4/1, while Upul Tharanga is 9/2 and Chamara Silva 6/1. Dilruwan Perera is also 6/1 and Tilllekeratne Dilshan is available at 8/1.

Please note that odds are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.