Australia eye series whitewash

As three-time defending World Cup champions, Australia have long dominated the one-day game, almost as much as they have the Test arena. If there is one side that has tested them, at times, it is neighbours New Zealand, but Australia are still odds-on to win the three-match series, which begins on Friday, 3-0.

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Of their past 50 one-day internationals at home, Australia have won a commanding 39, but of their past 20 it is just 14 won and six lost.

And on closer inspection, New Zealand have been tough opponents for the Aussies, winning four of their past 10 against them in Australia, a mark few other teams could even dream of.

Bet365 go 8/11 (1.72) that Australia will win 3-0, while a 2-1 win is a 6/4 chance. New Zealand are 6/1 to win 2-1 and a whopping 50/1 to win it 3-0 themselves.

The problem for the Black Caps is that they are now not as good a side as they have been in recent years. Chris Cairns has retired, Stephen Fleming has stepped down from the one-day arena and Shane Bond is injured, as ever, it seems.

Australia, by contrast, are at full strength in this post-Warne, McGrath and Langer era, although Stuart MacGill is injured and out until the new year. He probably wouldn't have made the one-day side, though, so it's not such a big loss.

Australia captain Ricky Ponting and Matthew Hayden are joint favourites to be their side's top runscorer in the series, at 3/1. Adam Gilchrist is 7/2, while Michael Clarke, who looks in great form on the international stage, and Michael Hussey are both 5/1, while Andrew Symonds is 7/1 and Brad Haddin is 8/1.

For New Zealand, Scott Styris is the 3/1 favourite, with Brendon McCullum and Lou Vincent each 9/2. Jamie How is 5/1 and Ross Taylor is 11/2 while Jacob Oram and Matt Sinclair are both 8/1.

In all honesty, I can't see anything other than a 3-0 win for Australia, and given their dominance and far better team, on paper, 8/11 looks a reasonable price.

Cambers' Call
Australia to beat New Zealand 3-0 - 8/11 (1.72) bet365

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