West Indies vs Sri Lanka: One-day series - cricket latest

It may come as a surprise to some to see West Indies favourites to win a one-day series but the bookmakers have got their jollies right for the three matches against Sri Lanka, with game one starting today in Port of Spain. Click here for a free £25 to bet on West Indies vs Sri Lanka with Blue Square The hosts are rightful 8/11 (Blue Square) picks because, simply, their batsmen should be capable of scoring heavily against a depleted Sri Lanka bowling attack. There is no Muttiah Muralitharan, Lasith Malinga or Farveez Maharoof and that makes Sri Lanka hugely vulnerable against a Windies outfit buoyed by their recent series-levelling victory in the second Test. Muralitharan is, of course, a huge loss. In 94 completed matches without their star man they have managed only 38 victories and suffered 56 defeats. And since the extraordinary bowler began his career in 1993, Sri Lanka have won only three series from nine (not including two wins over Zimbabwe and one against Bangladesh) in which Murali has missed two matches or more. Malinga will be sorely missed, too because of his pace. Sri Lanka, who have long had a problem keeping runs down in the last few overs in the field, could haemorrage runs without one of the best death bowlers in the world. One needs only to cast a mind back to Malinga's bowling in the World Cup - when he sent down fast, spearing yorkers at the death - to have the memory jogged about how important he could be. Chris Gayle is available to back at 3/1 for top West Indies runscorer in the first match. And over the series he could be the West Indies batter who makes the most of the visiting team's depleted resources. Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan are worthy rivals in the market but the aggressive left-hander is taken to edge it. Gayle's record in the last ten series when Chanderpaul and Sarwan have both been playing is impressive. He has top scored four times over a series during that period with seven finishes in the top three. Verdict: 2pts Gayle top West Indies series batsman @ 3/1 Click here for a free £25 to bet on West Indies vs Sri Lanka with Blue Square Blue Square, one of the leading online bookmakers is offering a FREE £25 Bet for Betting Choice users. Simply stake up to £25 and we will match your bet. Blue Square is a leading UK bookmaker offering a huge range of special bets and promotions.