Spread Opportunities Down Under

The last couple of months have shown us some of the excitement that truly great cricket can produce as Australia and India have continued to play the game at the highest level. On current form India must fancy their chances of VB Series success, but their record against Australia in limited-overs does not match their test performances. As for Zimbabwe, can they mount a serious challenge or are they just there to make up the numbers?

Michael Clarke: Although still only 22 years old, this natural talent looks like a permanent part of the team for a while to come. His grace and skill, coupled with a lethal left hand, will surely embarrass more than a few bowlers...

Sachin Tendulkar: Showed the Australians that he meant business in the first game, managing 8 fours and a six off just 69 balls. Is it worth betting on his runs...?

Heath Streak: Zimbabwe did not perform in the recent warm-up matches, but their influential captain has already said that he's aiming for the final.

Will Zimbabwe be capable of causing an upset? Will Heath Streak manage to match the tremendous form of Ponting, or will Tendulkar walk away with all the glory?

We asked the senior trader at Sporting Index what he thought would happen, and he is tipping the Aussies to go all the way. However, he was not dismissive of India's chances, especially after their performance on the first day, though is not convinced that Zimbabwe will do well - "They'll be used for target practice, and the Aussies will pound them..."

If you have not tried spread betting before, then it is the perfect way to add to your bank balance by putting your knowledge to the test. Sporting Index, the world leaders in sports spread betting, offer a massive range of markets on every Live match. They also offer betting on the number of runs by an individual batsman.

They are currently offering a spread that Ricky Ponting will score 50 to 55 runs in the next match. This is a higher quote than most other batsmen would get, but Ponting is not like most other batsmen. If you think that he is likely to get more than 55 runs, then you would "Buy" at 55. Conversely, if you think that his form is about to run out, then you would "Sell" at 50.

The match is played and Ponting manages to knock the ball all over the field, finishing on 75. So, if you had bought at 55, with a stake of £2 per run, then you would win £40. This is because you multiply your stake by the difference between the final figure and the figure you "bought" at i.e. (75 - 55) x £2 per run = £40.

Conversely, if Ponting has only managed 45, then you would lose (55 - 45) x £2 per run = £20. Essentially, the more right you are, the more you win, but the more wrong you are, the more you lose.

They offer markets on every major sport, many of which are updated "live" in-running. You can register and open your account online, and new accounts will qualify for a hugely generous free £100 bet. What are you waiting for?