Australia set to step it up

The group stages of the World Cup provided more than its usual share of drama and excitement but things are sure to hot up when the Super Eights begin on Tuesday with a mouthwatering encounter between hosts West Indies and champions Australia.

Both sides eased through their group with Australia, in particular, looking mightily impressive, dismissing South Africa in a high-scoring clash at the weekend.

West Indies have done what they needed to do in getting to the Super Eights and now they have a good chance to progress to the semi-finals, especially if the likes of Chris Gayle can find their top form.

With Brian Lara, Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul all looking in good nick, they can compete with any side on their day - it just depends how many days they have.

Australia will want to gain a psychological edge over the hosts ahead of any future meeting the two may have at a later stage in the tournament and bet365 make them 2/5 (1.40) favourites to win the match. West Indies are 19/10.

Matthew Hayden and Adam Gilchrist tore into South Africa's attack on Saturday and bet365 clearly think they can do the same to West Indies as they make them 8/13 (1.61) to have the better opening partnership.

However, this one probably depends on how Gayle bats. If the left-hander hits his stride then West Indies will have a flyer, and the 6/5 on them outscoring their Australia counterparts looks the call.

In the top batsmen markets, Austral;ia captain Ricky Ponting is still his side's favourite to be top runscorer against West Indies, at 10/3, inspite of hayden's heroics against South Africa.

Hayden and Gilchrist are both 7/2 (3.50), while Michael Clarke is 5/1, Andrew Symonds 6/1 and Brad Hodge and Michael Hussey both 7/1.

For West Indies, opener Gayle tops the betting at 7/2 while Lara, Chanderpaul and Sarwan are all 4/1. Devon Smith is 13/2, Dwayne Bravo 15/2 and Lendl Simmons a 10/1 chance.