Warne in a place to make Friends

Durham have come a long way from being the English game's whipping boys in 1991 when they became the first club to gain first-class status since Glamorgan in 1921. They make their first Lord's final appearance when they take on Hampshire in the Friends Provident Trophy showpiece on Saturday. Yet it is not their less-than-glorious history which has forced the layers to rate them outsiders - they are 13/10 with Boylesports and Hampshire 8/11 with Ladbrokes and Stan James. It is the presence of Kevin Pietersen, who could go down in history as a great, and Shane Warne, who will, that could make the difference. Just like Durham, Warne is also making his first Lord's final and it would take a courageous man to bet against the Australian have a decisive say. But fortune favours the brave and Durham are taken not to be overawed. They have plenty of players who have experienced the big time before and even though they will be without Steve Harmison, who has a back injury, their one-day plans should stand them in good stead. Sides have to be efficient in this format to reach the final - Durham won eight matches to reach this stage - and it is hard to argue that Hampshire are better prepared. Essentially that is what wins one-day matches: preparation. And even with Pietersen and Warne, Hampshire's plans cannot be so superior to justify the gulf in price. Certainly Pietersen should not worry Durham. In 12 innings for Hampshire in one-day matches against county opposition he has top-scored just once. Indeed, he has only passed 50 three times and disappointed in Hampshire's last Lord's appearance, in victory over Warwickshire two years ago. It means the Hampshire top bat market is wide open for value and Michael Carberry looks the best bet. The former Kent opener is making hay this summer and will want to prove his credentials in front of the TV cameras. Verdict: 1pt Michael Carberry top Hants batsman @ 11/2 (SportingBet)