West Indies sense their chance

West Indies are not exactly the force they used to be but they are better on home soil and will fancy their chances of beating Sri Lanka in the two-Test series, beginning in Guyana on Saturday.

On paper, there is very little between the two sides, although Sri Lanka have the obvious threat of Muttiah Muralitharan and several experienced campaigners in their line-up.

The likes of Mahela Jaywardene, who will captain the touring side, the brilliant Kumar Sangakkara and Chaminda Vaas have hundreds of Tests behind them, so should be well capable of performing well.

West Indies, though, have Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels and a decent pace attack, so that, combined with home advantage, could yet give them the edge, with Sri Lanka still finding their feet in the conditions, having come pretty much straight from Australia, where the bouncy pitches are almost the opposite of what they will find in Guyana and Tobago, venues for the two Tests.

Bet365 still make Sri Lanka 13/10 favourites to win the first Test, starting in Guyana on Saturday, with the draw 7/4 and West Indies 5/2.

Providence Stadium in Guyana is a new ground but it is expected to play similarly to the way the old Bourda Oval did, which means slow and low, with not a great deal in it for the kind of bowlers who bang it into the pitch.

The weather is often a factor in Guyana, particularly at this time of year, so that probably explains why the draw is quite short. If they get the time, though, and if they perform as they can, West Indies may just have the edge and can win this one.

Shiv to shine?
Chanderpaul is the joint favourite to be West Indies's top runscorer in the first innings at 3/1 with bet365. Chris Gayle is the same price but in his home city, I expect Chanderpaul to have a good match. In seven Tests in Guyana, he averages a massive 126, so he clearly enjoys home comforts.

Sarwan, who is an excellent batsman, is 4/1, with Samuels, Devon Smith and Sewnarine Chattergoon are all 6/1, with Dwayne Bravo 17/2.

Jayawardene and Sangakkara are joint favourites for Sri Lanka at 11/4, while Michael Vandort and Malinda Warnapura are both 11/2. Chamara Silva is a 6/1 shot, while Thilan Samaraweera is 7/1 and Tillekeratne Dilshan is available at 17/2.