Australia Odds-on to retain the Ashes

Jnxy

Australia's cricketers are odds-on, at 4-7, with bookmaker Coral, to retain the Ashes in 2009 following their five-nil whitewash of England. The latter are 2-1 to repeat their victory of 2005, with a drawn series priced at 5-1.

Coral were counting the cost of the five-nil series score, after punters backed it at all prices from an opening show of 8-1 prior to the Ashes starting.

"Five-nil to Australia was the most popular bet with British punters throughout this series, and with each Test that England lost, so our liabilities grew, leaving us with a six-figure payout," said Coral's David Stevens.

"Even without Warne and McGrath, we reckon the Aussies will once again take all the beating in 2009," added Stevens.

2009 Ashes Odds

4-7 Australia, 2-1 England, 5-1 Draw