Aussies make their bow

Australia make their Twenty20 World Cup bow on Wednesday with the rest of the sides watching their every move to see if they just might be vulnerable in the shortened format of the game. And they might be, but not against Zimbabwe in their opener, with bet365 making them 1/50 (1.02) to start with a win.

Zimbabwe will doubtless try their hardest but it simply won't be good enough against an Australia team that boasts a hatful of potential match winners.

Bet365 make Zimbabwe 10/1 to win on Wednesday but since that is not going to happen - miracles aside - it's probably best to take a punt on the top runscorer for Ricky Ponting's side.

It stands to reason that those nearer to the top of the batting order have the advantage as they get the best chance to spend more time at the crease, and bet365 can't split Adam Gilchrist and Matt hayden, making both openers 9/4 chances.

Ponting is next at 5/2, while Brad Hodge is 5/1, and Michael Clarke and Andrew Symonds, one of many who should excel at this game, are both 6/1 and Shane Watson is 13/2.

If you have to have a bet, I'd probably go for Hayden to make mincemeat of the Zimbabwe attack but it's probably best watched for now.

It will also be interesting to see how well Australia bowl for this will be the first major tournament post both Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath. Control could be the key.