Australians massive favourites in Hobart

Brian Lara is in desperate need of a big innings in Hobart © Getty Images

So dominant were Australia in the first Test, and so vast is the difference between the two sides, that the hosts are 1/5 (1.20) to win the second Test against West Indies, which starts in Hobart on Thursday. That would be enough to take an unassailable lead in the three-match series and though a few West Indies fans may think that odds of 14/1 (15.00) are insulting toward their team, I doubt too many of them will be rushing to take them up. The draw is 4/1 (5.00) but it is more likely that punters will be lumping on the 9/20 (1.36) that Australia sweep the series 3-0. The odds aren't generous but it is probably going to happen.

Click here to bet on Australia v West Indies at bet365

The decline of West Indies as a force in world cricket can be charted by the fact that this is a three-match series, and also that they will not even be playing at the MCG or SCG. The Australians have only played six Tests at the Bellerive Oval but as you might expect, their record there is pretty good, with four wins and two draws from six matches there. A small-ish ground, Hobart usually yields plenty of runs, and three of the four victories have gone to the side batting first.

Australia captain Ricky Ponting, who hit two centuries in the first Test, must be looking forward to a match on his home ground. It is almost four years to the day since the last Test there, but he will have happy memories of it as he smashed 157 against New Zealand on that occasion. bet365 clearly expect another good showing from him as they make him the 11/4 (3.75) favourite to be his side's top scorer in the first innings. Matthew Hayden is 7/2 (4.50) and Michael Hussey 5/1 (6.00) while Andrew Symonds, Brad Hodge and Michael Clarke are all 6/1 (7.00) chances. Don't forget Adam Gilchrist either as the wicket-keeper belted 149 not out in that New Zealand game in Hobart.

As for the West Indies, it's really anyone's guess as to what kind of performance they will put in, but Brian Lara is the 11/4 (3.75) favourite to be his side's top scorer. Lara could do with some runs, but he also needs help from the rest of the team. Captain Shivnarine Chanderpaul is a 4/1 (5.00) bet, while Ramnaresh Sarwan and Chris Gayle are both 9/2 (5.50) and Devon Smith is a tempting bet at 11/2 (6.50), after he top scored in the first Test.

Both Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath have taken wickets in Hobart, 24 for Warne in five matches, and 13 in three for McGrath. Warne is the 11/2 (7.50) favourite to be Man of the Match, while McGrath is 8/1 (9.00), sandwiched by Ponting at 7/1 (8.00).

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

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