Panesar cut in bowling market

The Ashes may be over as a series, but there is still much to be played for in the remaining two Tests, not least in the individual bragging rights.

With a four-wicket lead over the next man, Matthew Hoggard remains the odds-on favourite to be England's leading wicket-taker in the series and the Yorkshireman should be looking forward to bowling at the MCG, which can be helpful to swing bowlers.

Hoggard is 8/11 (1.72) but there has been plenty of support for Monty Panesar, who was rewarded for his superb Ashes debut with eight wickets, putting him in touch with Hoggard.

The left-arm spinner is now (13/8) 2.62 to come out on top, something well within his capabilities given the propensity for the SCG to turn.

Captain Andrew Flintoff, who has seven wickets, is next at 10/1 (11.00) but his ankle injury, if not threatening his participation, is certainly reducing the number of overs he can bowl in each innings, which in turn hampers the impact he has on the rest.

Steve Harmison, who bowled much more like we know he can in Perth, has six wickets and is 12/1 (13.00) but should not be ruled out as he is capable of some big wicket hauls when he gets a favourable wicket on which to bowl.