Kallis and Ponting tipped in batting markets

South Africa welcome Jacques Kallis back into the side for the first Test againat Australia in Cape Town this week and the all-rounder is in familiar territory at the top of the betting to be his side's top runscorer in the first innings.

Kallis is a 7/2 (4.50) chance, just ahead of Sunday's Johannesburg hero Herschelle Gibbs, and his captain Graeme Smith, both of whom are 4/1 (5.00). AB De Villiers is 5/1 (6.00) while Boeta Dippenaar and Jacques Rudolph are 11/2 (6.50).

However, though the others have their chances, Kallis is a worthy favourite, not least thanks to a superb record at Newlands. In 10 Tests there, he averages 77 and has hit four centuries and five fifties.

Kallis topped the averages for South Africa in Australia at the turn of the year, and he is sure to be the man the Australians want to get out most.

Gibbs is no slouch at Newlands either, averaging 53, while Smith too has enjoyed himself there, averaging 60 in his five Test appearances on the ground.

Ponting favourite
For Australia, it's also no surprise to see their skipper Ricky Ponting at the top of the list, a 100/30 (4.33) chance to top-score in the first innings. Ponting has been in unstoppable form for several months now, and it is hard to see beyond him.

That said, Australia have class in their batting ranks and Justin Langer and Matthew Hayden must be respected at 4/1 (5.00), even though they may be rusty after missing the one-day series.

Damien Martyn, back in the squad after a brief period on the sidelines, is 11/2 (6.50), while Michael Clarke is a 6/1 (7.00) chance and Michael Hussey, a fine player down the order, is 13/2 (7.50). Adam Gilchrist and Andrew Symonds are both 15/2 (8.50) while don't rule out Shane Warne at 40/1 (41.00) and Brett Lee at 50/1 (51.00).