ICC CHAMPIONS TROPHY OUTRIGHT WINNER ODDS AND TIPS

Just a few hours after England managed to avoid a 7-0 ODI whitewash, they've boarded a plane for South Africa and are set to contest the 2009 ICC Champions Trophy. The English are at very long odds against 7 other very competitive teams. The home side, naturally, are listed as the outright favourites to win and the Proteas are listed at 12/5 for the victory. You'll find India sitting at 7/2 while Ricky Ponting's Australia (in-form for One Day cricket) are also listed at the same price. The Sri Lankans can be backed at 13/2 and that's a decent price for them. They boast a very competent lower and middle order while their bowlers are all tricky and have a bit extra. I think New Zealand got their number in the one day series and I would favour the Black Caps in a match against the Sri Lankans, despite the supposed gulf between the two sides. Pakistan proved in the World Twenty20 that they can come from nowhere to get the job done. I think 50 overs is a bit different than a solid outing for 20 and I'm not sure whether they have the depth to compete past the group stages. Daniel Vettori's New Zealand side are my dark horse to win the tournament and they 12/1 price is ample value for money. I think they can beat nearly anybody on their day and while I don't fancy them as a world-beating test side, I do think that if they are firing on all cylinders that they can score runs and take wickets. Andrew Strauss' England side are at a lengthy 16/1 after being completely exposed by the Australians in the ODI section of the 2009 Ashes Series. Strauss' side will do well to get through to the next round, but I think England's One-Day squad are still rebuilding and the younger players coming through the ranks will gain some top-tier experience. England are not reasonable contenders to win this trophy according to the bookmakers. Finally, there's the beleaguered West Indies side who are embroiled in a seemingly endless series of rows with their domestic organizing committee. Chris Gayle's Windies will need much more solidity outside of the lower order and will need massive performances from players like Fidel Edwards and Dwayne Bravo to get the results they require. I think South Africa are your top contenders, but I'll be bucking the trend and backing New Zealand as the tournament winners. Keep in mind that Blue Square provides each-way betting on the top 2 places at 1/3 the odds.