Betting tips / Chris Cairns / 12 February 2012 / Leave a comment Bet Now View Market

As the ODI circus heads to Adelaide, Chris Cairns questions whether we can deduce from last night's match against the Sri Lankan's that the Australian's might be slipping...

On many fronts it wasn't Australia's best performance, but winning ugly is a sign that a team is confident.

The ability for the Aussies to scramble to a competitive total and then defend it via good bowling and brilliant fielding revealed much about the squad.

Tomorrow's match against Australia is India's best chance this summer of beating Australia.

Why?

Firstly, the pitch. It is a lower bounce and slower-paced pitch than most Aussie wickets. Short square boundaries will help the Indian stroke makers.

The most important fact for India, however, is the travel schedule of the Australian's. They have flown across the country today and have to back-up tomorrow against a rested Indian side.

Despite this, the thing you have to question is whether the Indian's are mentally up for the challenge against the team who has pummeled them consistently this summer?

On form, you would have to say no, but the odds are getting shorter in Australia winning given the travel schedule.

On this Adelaide pitch it will be someone in the top three of both sides who will top score. For the Australians, I have an inkling that Warner is due and he could be at his destructive best, so he is my choice for top run scorer.

The Indian top order seem to be rotating, so which combination we won't know until tomorrow, but take a look at the top three and go with your fancy. Conditions will be great for batting.

Bowling-wise this pitch is about containment. Simply, you are not going to blast anyone out, so it's changes of pace that brings Mackay in to the reckoning for top wicket taker. Teams will work him out soon enough with his slow balls, but just at the moment he is having a honeymoon period and I don't believe many teams are picking him well, which means he will pick up wickets at the death.

The Indians, on the other hand, are relying on their spin and part-time spin to strangle the middle overs. They will need more from their front-line bowlers, but on this pitch I don't fancy their chances.

With variation the key, Ashwin is the one most likely to take wickets.

The result?

A tight match and India's best chance, but the Aussies will see it through again.