Clarke a threat to Ponting and co

India will present Australia with their first real test since the retirements of Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath when the four-Test series begins on Boxing Day. And if they are to maintain their unbeaten streak at home then they will need their big players to perform at their best.

Australia captain Ricky Ponting, as ever, will lead the way and bet365 make him their 15/8 (2.87) favourite to top-score for his side. Ponting averages 52 against the Indians, not far short of his overall mark of 59.

At home, though, his average against them is a sensational 108, having scored more than 1,000 runs against them in just seven Tests. An excellent player of spin, thanks largely to his fabulous footwork, he will take some stopping once more.

Matthew Hayden is next at 3/1. The opener has maintained his form since the retirement of his top of the order partner, Justin Langer, and will also be looking forward to facing India, having averaged 64 against them in four matches at home.

Obviously those at the top of the order have an advantage over the middle order batsmen in terms of series markets, so Phil Jaques, who has done well since coming in to replace Langer, will fancy his chances at 4/1, as will Michael Hussey, who is the same price.

Further down the order, Michael Clarke will be dangerous as he has been the man in form of late. Clarke averages 73 in his past 10 Tests and 101 in his past five, so if he gets enough time at the crease, then bet365's 13/2 looks a big price.

India's hopes of inflicting Ausralia's first home series defeat since 1993, one feels, will depend on the performance of their much-vaunted batting line-up, led by Sachin Tendulkar, with Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, Wasim Jaffer, VVS Laxman and Yuvraj Singh all in excellent form.

Tendulkar averages almost the same as his overall averages (54, to 55) in Australia and looks back in absolute top form. With no McGrath to trouble him, he should excel and bet365 make him the 11/4 favourite to come out on top.

Former captain Dravid, one of the stars of the 1-1 draw last time they visited Australia, is 7/2 while bet365 can't split Jaffer, who really came of age against Pakistan, and another former captain, Ganguly, who is arguably in the form of his life.

Laxman, who scored a century against Pakistan after being restored to the side, is 6/1 and the brilliant Yuvraj is 8/1, a price that would surely be shorter if he was guaranteed to start in the first Test. Keep an ear out for any team news in the build-up if you are keen to back him.

In the end, I have to say that Ponting and Tendulkar deserve favouritism but don't be surprised if Michael Clarke has a superb series for the home side.