Bets on Jayasuriya and Muralitharan

Elmo Rodrigopulle

WORLD CUP: Australia, although they had surprisingly poor run in the build up to the World Cup, losing the Commonwealth Bank tri-nation series to England and then the Hadlee/Chappel series to New Zealand, are still the favourites to retain the World Cup.

Bookmakers who always get into the act whenever there is a big sporting event, are at it again and are tipping the Kangaroos to win with odds of 12/5.

Sri Lanka who are also one of the favourites are not out of the picture and are tipping them at odds of 8.5/1.

The Bookmakers have South Africa at 9/2. Scotland has been tipped at 1500/1. The Bookies have also launched out taking bets on who is going to hit the most number of sixes. There are some hectic hitters who are on show in the Caribbean and Sanath Jayasuriya of Sri Lanka and Chris Gayle, both left handers are top with odds on at 9/1.

Other big hitters in the running are Australia's Adam Gilchrist, India's wicket keeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and England's Keven Pietersen who has recovered from a rib injury sustained in Australia, being hit by a Glen McGrath delivery.

Wagers are on for the Best wicket keeper and Best Allrounder. Adam Gilchrist and Jacques Kallis are in the running for this award.

Who will score the fastest 100? Punters have been allowed to bet on Sanath Jayasuriya, Adam Gilchrist and Chris Gayle.

Favourite bowlers on whom punters can bet and win are Sri Lanka's Muttaiah Muralitharan, New Zealand's Shane Bond and South Africa's Makaya Nitini.

Bets are also being taken for the batsman scoring the most runs, bowler taking the most number of wickets.

Punters can also win by betting on the ground that would produce the most number of runs.

Bets are also being accepted for one of the sub continent teams carrying away the trophy. Sri Lanka, India and Pakistan are the best sub continent teams.

Hosts West Indies started their campaign with a convincing win against Pakistan in the opener. West Indies are out to win the biggest prize ever offered in the World Cup and also become the first host country to win the trophy.

Sri Lanka won the trophy in Lahore, Pakistan when it was co-hosted by India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.