Live on Skysports 1: Thu 08.30: Australia are worth backing at 5/4 (Ladbrokes) even though they take on India in their own back yard.
India are 8/11 (Stan James) to win this World Cup quarter final, which Australia coach Tim Nielsen has dubbed a “mini grand final”, and will be roared on by a passionate home crowd in Ahmedabad.
The teams are probably more like 5/6 and evens so to take on Australia at odds against could be a bit of a good thing. Ponting’s men are probably the most adept team to pressure in the world and with no real media expectation of them to walk this competition, they can kick back and enjoy.
With 9 wins from 15 ODI’s in India, Australia know all about winning here and targeting Tendulkar and Sehwag will be crucial. Mitchell Johnson will have his eyes set on Verinder Sehwag. No bowler has got Sehwag out more times than Johnson and his 10/3 (Coral) to grab the most wickets is the nod.
Carrying on from that, Sehwag’s average against the Aussies is well below his norm and so Sachin Tendulkar is the obvious choice at 3/1 (bet365) to top score for the hosts but preference goes for Virat Kohli at 5/1 (Totesport).
So, while Ponting himself hasn’t sparkled, his team will continue a steady plod towards the final, much to the dismay of the home crowd.
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