Cricket World Cup Betting: Top Batsman

With every team playing six games before we even reach the knock-out stages the cream should rise to the top. A good starting point are the best ODI averages in the last year.

Batsmen with highest ODI averages Jan09 - Dec10 (Source: EspnCricinfo.com)

As you can see the top of the betting market has it about right with Tendulkar, Amla and Kallis. Although tempting at 80/1, Dhoni bats too far down the order to make the big runs and is passed over.

One of the rising stars of the game is Virat Kohli, he will be a household name by the end of the tournament but again bats too far down the order.

The two highlighted players are those of interest. There is a risk with both batting at four that they don’t get time at the crease against the minnows to make the big scores, however they are overpriced consistent run scorers.

It was very difficult to pick between the two but i’ve gone with Michael Clarke. He was starting to show some form against England in the ODI series and a 73 in the warm up game against South Africa won’t have done him any harm. He also has the benefit of batting behind two dashing openers: Watson and Haddin.

Both take risks in the opening 15 overs and get out - there is a good chance Clarke will be at the wicket with at least 30 overs to go. This will give him more game time than De Villiers, who has to follow the more dependable Amla, Smith and Kallis.