Ponting could be even better value

Perhaps the only thing England did wrong over the last two days of the first Test was to allow Ricky Ponting more time at the crease. The Australia captain does not need too much time to find his form and he could now be even better value in the betting to be his country's top runscorer.

Those of you who took the advice to back him at 13/5 before the series began should not be disheartened by the lengthening of the price; if anything I am more confident of his chances now, especially after seeing him whip a quick half-century in Australia's second innings.

Michael Hussey, whose 195 put Australia in control for a large percentage of the match, is obviously favourite, at 8/5 now with bet365, and he is a danger to Ponting because he does tend to get on a roll when on song. Ponting, though, has all the class and at 4/1 he could well be even better value, even if he is giving Hussey a 134-run start.

Shane Watson, who managed 77 runs in two innings, is 9/2 to come out on top. Fellow opener Simon Katich, with 54, is 6/1, the same price as Brad Haddin, who hit 136 in the first innings but who may not get enough chances.

Original preview
They say that bowlers win series but the batsmen will still play a significant role in the destiny of the Ashes this winter and it's no surprise to see Ricky Ponting at the top of the betting to be his side's top runscorer.

His career may be in its latter stages but Ponting remains the man in the Australia team that England will most want to see the back of and a quick look at his record explains why.

Though he actually averages 48 against England, below his overall average of 54, that rises to a shade over his overall average when home series alone are counted. And though England have enjoyed success against him early on in his innings, when he gets going, he can be unstoppable.

Bet365 make him the 13/5 favourite to top-score for his country, and considering he was top man at home in 2006/7, that doesn't look too bad. In 2002/3 he also scored over 400 runs and while he perhaps lacks the consistency of a few years ago, he is still a formidable batsman.

Simon Katich, who played pretty well in the 2009 series, is next at 3/1. The left-hander will open the batting and as such as the double-edged sword of having more opportunities, in all probability, while also facing the new ball that will do a bit more. England have become very accustomed to bowling to left-handers and he may struggle, even though he will surely enjoy playing on home soil.

Maybe this will be the time that Michael Clarke steps up and produces a series-winning effort. Clarke is incredibly talented and in the past year or so seems to have stepped up a gear, so at 9/2 (from 7/2) he could be a popular bet. Clarke averages 50 in Tests, but 55 against England and against England in Australia, that rises to 77. He could be the man.

Shane Watson is 7/2 but England will not fear him in the way they did Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer last time round. Michael Hussey has been cut to 11/2 after scraping a century for his Sheffield Shield side. Hussey was a thorn in England's side four years ago, scoring 458 runs, and though he is not in the same kind of form, facing England could just galvanise him again. He is certainly a fair price.

Behind these five, Marcus North is 9/1 but bats at No 6 so his opportunities may be limited. The same goes for Brad Haddin, even though 14/1 is a tempting price.

As things stand, I think Clarke and Ponting represent the best value for money, so why not back them both now, before their prices shrink.