Aussies overwhelming favourites

Australia have never lost a home series to Pakistan and even though the hosts are not quite the force they have been for much of the past decade, they are unlikely to start losing to them now when they play each other in a three-Test series, beginning on Boxing Day.

In fact, the Aussies have only lost four times in 29 Tests against Pakistan at home, winning 18 of them, so the chances are that Pakistan will not exactly be brimful of confidence that they can create history.

That said, they are a talented bunch with one or two world class players - notably batsman Mohammad Yousuf, back in the fold after a long absence. Yousuf is a brilliant, obdurate batsmen, and if he can fire and some of the others can chip in, then they may just have a chance to upset the Australians.

Pakistan's real talent lies in the bowling department though, with Umar Gul joined by newcomer Mohammad Aamer in the pace attack and Danish Kaneria the elder statesman of a classy spin line-up.

Australia struggled a little and were perhaps a bit flattered by their 2-0 victory at home to West Indies and they are not firing on all cylinders yet. Pakistan drew 1-1 in New Zealand, which was a creditable effort, even if they were lucky with the weather in the final match.

Bet365 make Australia 1/2 favourites, with Pakistan 9/2 and the drawn series a 7/2 chance. The Aussies are just 11/4 to whitewash the tourists 3-0, while if you fancy Pakistan to win the series, then they are 14/1 to win it 2-1 and 66-1 to win all three.

Pressure on Yousuf
If Pakistan are to win a match - let alone the series - they will have to get enough runs to give their excellent, varied attack something to play with. And if they are to get enough, then they probably need Mohammad Yousuf to lead by example.

Yousuf averages 54 from his 85 Tests, which is a fantastic effort, but his average against Australia is much, much lower, just 29. Australia's attack is not what it was, though - no Warne and McGrath would weaken any team - so he will be hopeful of making the 3/1 to be his side's top runscorer in the series seem a decent price.

Salman Butt, one of the more experienced batsmen in the side, is 4/1, while Umar Akmal is 9/2. Imran Farhat is 5/1, wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal is 7/1 and both Misbah-ul-Haq and Shoaib Malik are 9/1 chances.

Doubts about the fitness of captain Ricky Ponting has dropped him to second favourite to be Australia's top runscorer, at 10/3. Simon Katich is favourite, at 3/1, with Shane Watson and Michael Clarke each 9/2, Michael Hussey 5/1 and the recalled Phil Hughes 6/1.

On paper, Australia should win the series fairly comfortably but you just never know with them at the moment and if Pakistan can put something together, then they could nick one, but it's tough to see them stopping Australia from winning the series.