Australia clear favourites in two-horse race

Australia are 2/5 favourites to win the one-day VB Series which starts at the MCG on Friday. Following their impressive showing in the Test series, India are an enticing 7/4. Zimbabwe are the third team in the tournament, and are a distant 25/1, reflecting their position as rank outsiders.

Injuries are playing their part in the run-up to this series. India's bowling attack is particularly affected - they are shorn of Harbhajan Singh and Zaheer Khan, which puts a lot of pressure on Anil Kumble and Ashish Nehra. Australia are also well short of full strength - Shane Warne continues his exile, Glenn McGrath is a long-term worry, and Nathan Bracken is now out with a hip injury.

In the light of the bowling absentees, more emphasis will be on the glittering batting line-ups, and some high scores are in prospect. Sachin Tendulkar made an overdue return to form with his Sydney double-century, and the rest of the batting order - featuring Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman and Sourav Ganguly - has a formidable look to it. Tendulkar is 9/4 to top-score for India in the opening match, his fellow opener Sehwag is 7/2, while Laxman looks good value at 5/1. For Australia, Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden are 3/1 joint-favourites, with Michael Clarke the attractive outside bet at 8/1.