No getting away from the Aussies

With India having already qualified to join Australia in the finals of the CB Series, the last match of the group stages - Friday's clash between the hosts and Sri Lanka - has little meaning of any note. It's hard to know what kind of side the Aussies will put out.

Bet365 still make them strong favourites to win the game, at 1/4 (1.25) and Sri Lanka long outsiders at 11/4 (3.75).

In instances like this, it's always worth waiting to see the team news, but in general, you can bet that Australia will rest a couple of their top players. Sri Lanka, who have disappointed throughout the series, will want to go out on a high but whether they can lift themselves enough for victory is another matter.

If Australia do rest any of their top players, of course, then those that do come in will also be intent on proving that they deserve a place in the side for the final, so they will still be a serious threat.

Australia captain Ricky Ponting is favourite to be his side's top runscorer in the match at 3/1, just ahead of Matt Hayden and Adam Gilchrist, who are both 7/2. Michael Clarke is 4/1, Andrew Symonds is 6/1 and Michael Hussey 7/1, with Brad Haddin an 8/1 shot.

Kumar Sangakkara, who has been the best Sri Lanka batsman in the series by a country mile, is 5/2 favourite to end it on a high, with his captain Mahela Jayawardene next at 10/3.

Sanath Jayasuriya is 4/1, Upul Tharanga 9/2 and Tillekeratne Dilshan 11/2, while Dilruwan Perera is 6/1 and Chamara Silva is available at 13/2.

Even though they have qualified for the finals already, Australia have more reason to play well, as explained above, so they should win but once again, wait until the team news before wading in.