Shaken Australia still favourites for NatWest success

What a difference a week makes. Defeats to Somerset, England and even Bangladesh have left Australia bottom of the NatWest Series table after two games apiece. Alarm bells might not be ringing just yet in the Australian camp, but they are going to need to get going soon if they're to get their campaign back on track, and more importantly, re-establish their heady reputation.

I take it all back - this is a three-way competition. Bangladesh's victory over Australia on Saturday may not mean much in terms of whether the Aussies take the Ashes later this summer, or even win this series. But it will be massive for Bangladesh, who proved in one match that they have the talent and ability to compete, at least on a one-off basis.

Those cynical bookies may not have cut their 100/1 price one jot, but bet365 have reacted to the week's goings-ons by lengthening Australia to 8/11 (1.72) from their original 2/5 (1.40), while England have shortened to evens (2.00) from 7/4 (2.75). That's fair enough, on form, but, even though Bangladesh produced a near-miracle in beating Australia, the chances of them winning another match are still slim to none. Therefore, in a two-horse race, with a one-match final, Australia are now relatively good value at 8/11.

Nevertheless, the way Glenn McGrath, Jason Gillespie and Michael Kasprowicz were carted around by Kevin Pietersen on Saturday, let alone by Bangladesh, showed that Australia are still a long way short of their best form. Expect the players to receive the proverbial rocket from captain Ricky Ponting, and expect them to come out firing next time out, but confidence is a great thing in any sport and England will be beginning to think that they are on to something.

The next match is between England and Bangladesh at Trent Bridge on Tuesday.