South Africa a massive price

After snatching a draw in the Test series in England, Sri Lanka may deserve favouritism against South Africa in their two-Test series, which starts on Thursday. But there is no reason on earth why South Africa should be as big as 10/1 (11.00) and the bookies could pay for their generosity.

Ok, so South Africa will be without their captain Graeme Smith but his absence is outweighed by the return to fitness of Shaun Pollock, who will give the Sri Lankans nothing, even on their flat, dry pitches.

The South Africans may have won only seven of their past 20 Tests and five of their past 20 away from home, but they have won two, lost two and drawn four of the eight Tests on Sri Lankan soil.

But on paper, they are just as strong as Sri Lanka, so it's a bit of a mystery as to why the bookies make Sri Lanka as short as 1/3 (1.33) to come on top in the two-Test series.

The draw is an 11/4 (3.75) chance and that could be popular with just two Tests to play.

On the other hand, Sri Lanka have won nine of their past 20 Tests, and at home, they hav won 10 and lost just four of their past 20.

Sri Lanka are 4/5 (1.80) to win the first Test in Colombo, while South Africa are 13/2 (7.50) and the draw is a 7/5 (2.40) chance.