Aussies set for whitewash
Anyone who snapped up the 5/6 (1.83) available at the start of the series on Australia to whitewash the West Indies in their three-match series will be pretty confident of collecting their money after the third and final Test, which begins in Adelaide on
Simon Cambers
21-Nov-2005
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Ricky Ponting's men are 1/6 (1.16) to storm to victory in Adelaide, while anyone with either a few screws loose or boundless optimism can get 14/1 (15.00) on a West Indies victory. The draw, also unlikely given Australia's attacking nature, is 5/1 (6.00).
Not content with having already won the series, Australia's selectors showed they retain their ruthless streak as they dropped the talented Michael Clarke for the Adelaide Test. After making a century on his debut, Clarke's form has dipped and the return of Justin Langer to fitness means there is no place for him in the 12-man squad.
Australia have won 31, drawn 16 and lost 16 of their 63 Tests played at the Adelaide Oval, but they have lost only three of the last 20 there. They did, however, lose to India there just two years ago, so there is some small hope for West Indies. The tourists have won five and lost just four of their 12 Tests but any statistic to do with the West Indies must be qualified by the fact that they have been in decline for the best part of a decade.
The Aussies do have a habit of taking their foot off the pedal when the series has already been won, but the sad fact is that the West Indies are probably not good enough to take advantage. Brian Lara needs a big innings but even when he performs, he needs a couple of the others to stand up, and I can't see that happening. A price of 1/6 (1.16) is only for the bigger hitters, but it's not that stingy.
Please note that odds are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.
Simon Cambers is Cricinfo's new betting correspondent