West Indies face uphilll task
West Indies face a tough task in South Africa, according to odds released today by bet365
Andrew Hall
10-Dec-2003
West Indies face a tough task in South Africa, according to odds released today by bet365. Brian Lara and his merry men are 17/2 outsiders, while South Africa are firm favourites at the short price of 2/9. A drawn in the four-match series is 5/1.
Following some erratic performances in Zimbabwe, West Indies are considered 15/2 outsiders to win the first Test. South Africa are firm favourites at 4/5, with the draw 5/4.
Top Series Batsman - South Africa
The South African top order could enjoy an inexperienced West Indies attack, and the Top Series Batsman odds reflect that. Graeme Smith is 3/1, while Herschelle Gibbs looks a good bet at 100/30. Gary Kirsten misses the first Test, yet remains 15/2 to top-score in the series. Neil McKenzie is also 15/2, and could benefit from Kirsten's absence.
The South African top order could enjoy an inexperienced West Indies attack, and the Top Series Batsman odds reflect that. Graeme Smith is 3/1, while Herschelle Gibbs looks a good bet at 100/30. Gary Kirsten misses the first Test, yet remains 15/2 to top-score in the series. Neil McKenzie is also 15/2, and could benefit from Kirsten's absence.
Top Series Batsman - West Indies
Shivnarine Chanderpaul has an appetite for big scores, as demonstrated by his 245 against Free State in a warm-up match, and he looks good value in the West Indies Top Series batsman market at 11/2. Ramnaresh Sarwan has similar odds of 11/2, while Carlton Baugh - who recorded a century in the same match - is good outside value at 33/1, if he plays. Of the top-order batsmen, Brian Lara is 7/4 favourite, and Chris Gayle 9/4.
Shivnarine Chanderpaul has an appetite for big scores, as demonstrated by his 245 against Free State in a warm-up match, and he looks good value in the West Indies Top Series batsman market at 11/2. Ramnaresh Sarwan has similar odds of 11/2, while Carlton Baugh - who recorded a century in the same match - is good outside value at 33/1, if he plays. Of the top-order batsmen, Brian Lara is 7/4 favourite, and Chris Gayle 9/4.
Series Correct Score
A 2-1 win for South Africa is 9/2 favourite, while 4-0 or 3-1 wins for South Africa are keenly priced at 8/1. West Indies' most likely margin of victory is 2-1 (priced at 12/1), while fans hopeful of a return to the glory days of Lloyd, Marshall, Richards, Greenidge, Haynes, Holding and Garner can get 250/1 on a 4-0 West Indian win.
A 2-1 win for South Africa is 9/2 favourite, while 4-0 or 3-1 wins for South Africa are keenly priced at 8/1. West Indies' most likely margin of victory is 2-1 (priced at 12/1), while fans hopeful of a return to the glory days of Lloyd, Marshall, Richards, Greenidge, Haynes, Holding and Garner can get 250/1 on a 4-0 West Indian win.
Odds are correct at publication but are subject to change