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The VB Series that is currently underway in Australia is looking like being an exceptionally intriguing triangular contest.
The hosts are understandably clear favourites, despite losing 2 of their 4 games so far, and are choosing to rotate their side in an attempt to give the younger players some necessary experience at international level.
Sri Lanka appear to be improving as the tournament goes on. The importance of the return to action for Sanath Jayasuriya, after dislocating his shoulder in a bathroom incident, was highlighted when he smashed a typical 114 in the last match against Australia at Sydney.
The final side hoping to spring an upset is South Africa. Their form has been up and down so far in this series, but cannot be ruled out. It was only last year they went 18 completed games unbeaten (with 2 games abandoned).
With 7 group games to go (as of 23rd January) it is Australia that currently sit on top of the group, having played one more game than the other 2 sides, and have so far accumulated 10 points. Sri Lanka, boosted by their 51 run win against the Aussies sit in second place on 9 points, while South Africa trail the pack on 4 points.
The best odds you can get for these sides to win the tournament are as follows : Australia 1/3 to win the VB Series (Bet365), Sri Lanka 6/1 (Blue Square and Betfair) and South Africa 7/1 (Betfair).
The odds that catch my eye when I look at those are Sri Lanka at 6/1, this is a side that seem to be warming to the task. A strong looking batting line up with Jayasuriya at the top, and very able teammates in Kumar Sangakarra, Mahela Jayawardene and captain Marvan Atapattu. Their fate will however, depend as ever on the form of their spinning genius Muttiah Muralitharan, who will be backed up by the consistent left armer Chaminda Vaas.
My tip though, is perhaps unsurprisingly, Australia. When they field their strongest side they have shown enough to convince me that they are the best side not only in this tournament, but still in the world.
They have the power at the top of the order in Adam Gilchrist, Ricky Ponting in at 3, and Andrew Symonds coming in in the middle order. Combine their talents with the strokeplay of Damien Marytyn, Michael Clarke and Mike Hussey and the batting looks good enough to consistently score 280+ every game.
On the bowling front, there is the accurate Glenn Mcgrath, and the pace and fire of the ever improving Brett Lee, who has a phenomonal strike rate in One Day cricket.Probably the best opening bowling partnership in the shorter format of the game.
South Africa still have plenty to offer in this competition and can never be completely disregarded, but after their disappointment in the Test series against Australia, I see them going out in the group stage of this series. The injury to Andre Nel was a big blow and with Makhaya Ntini still missing it is a tall order for the more inexperienced bowlers in Kruger, Steyn and Botha, despite the presence of the ever reliable Shaun Pollock.
So does this give us any indications for the World Cup in 2007 ? I think it shows us that Australia will still be the team to beat in the Caribbean but there is still plenty of time before then for the teams to improve and close the gap on the World Champions.
My Predictions :
Australia to win the VB Series 1/3 and Brett Lee to be top wicket taker in the tournament 4/7 (Ladbrokes)
Outside Chance :
Ricky Ponting to be top runscorer in the tournament 20/1 (Ladbrokes)
(This is dependant on the number of games Australia rest Ponting for)
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