(expired)Australian Ashes Captain Betting
Following Australia’s defeat to India this week bookie Paddy Power has opened betting on who will captain their side for the First Ashes Test against England in 2009.
The Aussie’s 2-0 defeat to India, their first series defeat by more than one Test since the late 80s, has seen widespread criticism of captain Ricky Ponting – even from his own countrymen. The Aussie skipper was accused of failing to put victory ahead of the threat of a one-match ban by bowling second rate bowlers in the Fourth Test defeat to prevent a slow over rate.
Whilst the man known as Punter remains just 1/6 with Paddy Power to captain Australia for the First Ashes Test in Cardiff next summer, the fact a book has been opened at all suggests all is not well. Long-time captain in-waiting Michael Clarke is 9/2 second favourite with the man known as ‘Mr Cricket’ Michael Hussey at 16/1.
Shane Warne, whose captaincy skills are almost as renowned as his love of pizza, is 100/1 for a sensational comeback to lead the Baggy Greens.
Darren Haines, spokesman for Paddy Power, said: “A legendary batsman undoubtedly, but Ponting’s captaincy has crumbled more than once under pressure as we saw in India this week and The Ashes in 2005. It’s very easy to captain a winning team but Ponting’s captaincy fails to make a difference when it really matters – and the first few punts have now come in against Punter.”Australian Captain For First Ashes Test
1/6 Ricky Ponting
9/2 Michael Clarke
12/1 Brett Lee
16/1 Michael Hussey
28/1 Simon Katich
28/1 Matthew Hayden
33/1 Shane Watson
50/1 Andrew Symonds
100/1 Shane Warne
200/1 Adam Gilchrist
Ashes 2009 Latest
9/4 England
5/1 Draw
8/13 Australia
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