Understudies to get their chance

Cruising through the Super Eight stage so far, Australia take on Ireland in their latest match of the World Cup on Friday. The defending champions are sure to rest several top players, which means it could be time for some of the lesser lights to impress.

Ricky Ponting's side will beat Ireland no matter who they put out, so it's the perfect time to give the likes of Matt Hayden, Adam Gilchrist, Glenn McGrath and Ponting himself a rest.

That is not a sign of disrespect to Ireland who have done superbly to even be at this stage but the fact is that Friday's match is a mis-match in terms of talent and ability, and everyone knows it.

Australia are 1/100 (1.01) to win the match, while Ireland are 16/1 (17.00) for an upset that would be off the richter scale.

Much more likely is that one of the players who come into the side will impress and if Gilchrist is rested, then Brad Haddin could be the man to watch.

Haddin is a superb batsman and must be itching to get out there, so if you can get anything better than 6/1 on him to be his side's top runscorer, take it.