Aussies in unfamiliar underdog role
England captain Michael Vaughan may have been overlooked for the Rest of the World Team to face Australia in a one-off Test in Sydney next month but there has still been plenty of interest in the match
Simon Cambers
23-Sep-2005
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There is no doubt that the Rest of the World side has real class, with Rahul Dravid, Brian Lara and Inzamam leading the batting line-up and England Ashes heroes Andrew Flintoff and Steve Harmison joining the likes of Muttiah Muralitharan in the bowling attack. However, despite the fact that the Aussies lost the Ashes, I don't see why they should be considered outsiders for this one. The fact that they relinquished the Ashes for the first time in 18 years means they will surely be more determined to show everyone they are the best side in the world.
Enngland fans will remember a couple of superb wins at the SCG in recent Ashes tours, but Australia's record there is pretty good, as you might expect. They have won 10 of the last 20 Tests there, losing just three. Overall at the SCG, they have won 48 of 92 Tests with just 27 defeats.
It will be interesting to see what kind of pitch they prepare for the match. The pitch usually takes plenty of spin, which will play into the hands of Shane Warne and Stuart MacGill, but will also have Muralithraran licking his lips. The Sri Lankan has not played a Test in Australia since 1995-6, due in part to some acrimonious clashes with Australian umpires who have questioned the legitimacy of his bowling action, and it will be interesting what kind of mental state he is in.
One other thing, October is far from being a rain-free month in Sydney and there is a decent chance that some play could be lost to the elements, which, together with the strength of the two batting line-ups, brings the draw more into play. bet365's 6-1 could prove to be a popular price.
Please note that odds are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.
Simon Cambers is Cricinfo's new betting correspondent