Sarwan generous in topscorer markets

Given their dominance over West Indies in the one-day series, it's a slight surprise to see New Zealand relatively generous favourites at 4/6 (1.66) to win the first Test, which begins in Auckland on Thursday.

The Windies' recent Test record is woeful, while New Zealand are a gritty side who are tough to beat, particularly on home soil. The tourists are 11/2 (6.50) to begin with a win, while the draw is 15/8 (2.87)

Stephen Fleming and Brian Lara are predictable favourites to be their respective side's topscorers.

Fleming, his side's best batsmen and an excellent captain to boot, is 7/2 (4.50) to topscore in the first innings. Fleming actually only averages 32 in Auckland, though, so there may be better value elsewhere.

Nathan Astle is a 4/1 (5.00) chance, while Scott Styris, Peter Fulton and Jamie How - the latter both debutants - are all 5/1 (6.00). Hamish Marshall is an 11/2 (6.50) shot.

Sarwan gets the nod
For West Indies, Lara is an understandable favourite but at 11/4 (3.75) he could be too short, particularly as he hasn't played any cricket for a while, having just arrived in New Zealand after skipping the one-day series.

Chris Gayle is 4/1 (5.00) while captain Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan are both 9/2 (5.50). Both of these men have chances, but I slightly prefer the chances of Sarwan, who can drop anchor when need be.

Daren Ganga and Devon Smith are both 6/1 (7.00) but Smith is unlikely to play, while Dwayne Bravo could be interesting at 8/1 (9.00) after a decent start to his Test career.