Australia rock solid at halfway point

It's just about halfway point in the World Cup and therefore a good time to evaluate how the big sides are getting on. Unfortunately for the challengers, though, it looks more and more likely that Australia will win the competition for the third straight time.

Having come into the event without Brett Lee and with Andrew Symonds a doubt because of injury, things have come together nicely for the Aussies, who show every intention of going through the event unbeaten.

The worrying thing for the rest is that Symonds has not even fired yet, with Matt Hayden leading the way with the bat, well backed up by Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke, and Glen McGrath enjoying his last hurrah, leading the attack in style.

Only South Africa have even tested them so far, and bet365's price of 11/10 (2.10) now looks pretty good value.

What of the rest? Well, bet365 can't split South Africa, Sri Lanka and New Zealand, making them all 4/1.

That's partly down to the ineptitude of the rest, though. England have spluttered but despite their loss to South Africa, can still make the semi-finals, which is more than can be said for West Indies, who have been very disappointing.

That jkust leaves Bangladesh and Ireland. Both have performed well but look highly unlikely to cause any more upsets, so you have England and West Indies pulling up the rear.

South Africa have looked pretty strong with a good mix of string opening bowlers and a couple of classy batsmen making them a threat, in addition to being the best fielding side.

Sri Lanka have been the most impressive of the rest, with Sanath Jayasuriya leading the way with some brutal hitting. The veteran has led the batting line-up in style and all their elements have come together at the right time to make a fine whole. They look nailed on for a place in the last four and are a threat to anyone on a one-off occasion.

New Zealand have been quietly impressive but for me, they lack the firepower to beat two big sides in succession. It looks like it could be between them and England for a place in the last four.

England are now value at 25/1, as it will only take a couple of good wins to get them into the mix, but apart from that, it's all Australia, who have to be backed again at 11/10.