Co-hosts to shine in batting tear-up

SPORTS BETTING: 

STAND by for batting pyrotechnics when cricket’s World Cup gets under way on Friday.

Major Twenty20 tournaments on three continents have honed the skills of batsmen to such an extent that the 50-over game has been completely revolutionised.

Gone are the days when 280 looked a good total. Scores in the 300s are the norm these days and a 31-ball century achieved by AB de Villiers in recent weeks underlines the headaches facing bowlers.

Whoever wins the World Cup is going to have to score big runs.

So look out for sides containing a wealth of destructive batsmen before placing your bets.

Here’s a rundown of the main contenders and suggested bets:

AUSTRALIA (2-1 favourites): Boast a batting line-up packed with power hitters and possess a varied and skilful bowling attack. Home advantage should be a big plus, but expectation levels can bring their pressures and the Australian public will demand nothing less than Michael Clarke lifting the trophy. Huge chance.

SOUTH AFRICA (100-30): With two of the world’s best batsmen - Hashim Amla and de Villiers - in their side, plus a potent bowling attack which includes Dale Steyn, South Africa have to be feared. In the weaker Group ‘B’, too, and should have a simple passage to the semi-finals.

NEW ZEALAND (6-1): Co-hosts with Australia, they should cruise through the group stages given every match is on home soil. Thrashed Sri Lanka in a recent series and, under Brendon McCullum, have become a team to be feared. Final prospects at least.

ENGLAND (10-1): Who would have thought England would be fourth favourites on the eve of the tournament? That’s mainly down to the poor form of the sub-Continent teams, but there is no doubt our boys are improving. A semi-final place is a realistic aim.

INDIA (11-1): Failed to win a game in the Tri-Series against Australia and England, confirming the belief that they dislike the faster, bouncier pitches Down Under. Bowling looks toothless, but the side contains two top-notcher ODI batsmen in Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni.

SRI LANKA (12-1): Similar sentiments to India in that the pitches are not to their liking. Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene are great batsmen, but it’s difficult to see where the back-up will come from.

PAKISTAN (20-1): One predictable thing about Pakistan is their unpredictability – and that makes them dangerous opponents. Injuries to key men and lack of match practice against the top nations cannot help their cause, though, and they are likely to struggle.

WEST INDIES (28-1): Hammered by England in Monday’s warm-up match, the Windies are better than that if their main men, headed by Chris Gayle, can find their form. Their’s is not always a happy camp, though, and the lively wickets are expected to find them out.



SELECTIONS

Australia to play New Zealand in final, 8-1 (general).

AB de Villiers to be tournament leading run scorer, 14-1 (Paddy Power).

Mitchell Johnson to be leading tournament wicket-taker, 11-1 (Stan James).

Chris Woakes to be leading England wicket-taker, 5-1 (Bet 365, Sky Bet).