General

Will Warne weave his magic again?

Unless you've been on another planet for the last month, you'll know that Shane Warne has been the main destroyer for Australia in the Ashes series

Simon Cambers
23-Aug-2005


Shane Warne has been in form with bat and ball and is a clear favourite to be Man of the Match in the fourth Test © Getty Images
Unless you've been on another planet for the last month, you'll know that Shane Warne has been the main destroyer for Australia in the Ashes series. As a result, although England are competing heroically and may yet win the series, Warne has been weaving his magic and is favourite to take the Man Of The Match award at Trent Bridge.
While the rest of the Australian team, with a couple of exceptions, have failed to hit top form in the first three Tests Warne has continued to flummox most of the England batsmen and it's no surprise that bet365 make him 6/1 (7.00) to win the award. His batting has not been too bad either in this series and that just adds to his chances.
Australia captain Ricky Ponting is next at 7/1 (8.00) after his magnificent century last time out, while England's hero of the series, Andrew Flintoff, is 8/1 (9.00) and Glenn McGrath, whose ankle should be stronger at Trent Bridge, is next at 9/1 (10.00).
Marcus Trescothick, who has the ability to smash a century in double-quick time, is 11/1 (12.00) as is his skipper, Michael Vaughan. The Yorkshireman has a habit of stringing big scores together and bet365 are taking a risk by making him such a big price.
The same goes for Justin Langer, the Australia opener, who has looked good in each innings but has yet to make a big score. He's 12/1 (13.00), while Brett Lee, one of the other successes of the series for the tourists, is also 12/1 (13.00).
Of the rest, Kevin Pietersen, who's been relatively quiet of late, could easily come good again at 14/1 (15.00) while Matthew Hayden, back to form at the weekend, is a tempting 16/1 (17.00). And don't forget Adam Gilchrist, who's far too good a player not to hit form soon. He can also be backed at 16/1 (17.00).
Please note that odds are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.

Simon Cambers is Cricinfo's new betting correspondent