Author: Anton Johan
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Despite the fact the 1st cricket Test match between South Africa and Sri Lanka
(which kicked off today) is taking place at SuperSport Park near Pretoria in
South Africa, British cricket betting fans can still bet on the games at William
Hill.
That's the beauty of online sportsbooks these days, as they cover most major
sports from across the world so that even if you're stuck in a caravan on a
rainy day at Skegness, using your laptop or mobile phone you can place all
manner of bets.
And right now in terms of Test cricket betting action, William Hill has the
latest Test cricket odds and in-play betting lines on the South Africa versus
Sri Lanka Test match, which show the home team as the overwhelming odds-on
favourites:
South Africa vs Sri Lanka Odds at Will Hill
South Africa - 1/7
Sri Lanka - 7/1
Draw - 9/1
South Africa vs Sri Lanka Betting Preview
It's no secret that when it comes to cricket the rivalry between South Africa
and Sri Lanka is a long and colourful one. Test matches between these two great
sides rarely fail to deliver on the excitement front, or fail to attract cricket
betting fans from all over the world, including from right here in Great
Britain.
Today's match will see Sri Lanka (as the underdogs) attempt to make a
big impact against South Africa early on. Although, this may be a hard task for
the tourists considering they will have to make do without the services of
several key players such as Muttiah Muralitharan, Chaminda Vaas and Lasith
Malinga.
These three players have effectively retired from their national team, which
while positive in terms of making space for new, cricketers, is negative in
terms of the fact they've left a large hole in the squad - a hole which has
helped Sri Lanka lose it lasts three consecutive Test series - four if they
fall to South Africa.
You may recall how not too long ago the Australian national cricket team were
in a similar situation, when many of its veterans were replaced by a crop of
talented new players, with the result that it has taken the side some time to
regain its winning form.
But the real question is whether Sri Lanka has what it takes to fend off the
Proteas?
We say the answer is yes, provided remaining veterans Kumar Sangakkara and
Mahela Jayawardene bring their a-games, and if other key players such as team
captain Tillakaratne Dilshan and Thilan Samaraweera play to the best of their
ability.
As for South Africa, they have an arsenal of players that proved themselves
when it counted against Australia recently, as well as the confidence of
handling anything Sri Lanka throws at them. If they can play consistently and
keep their heads down in this first Test match, Sri Lanka may well be in for a
torrid time indeed.
Key Proteas' players to watch out for include Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis, AB
de Villiers, Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel.
For our South Africa vs Sri Lanka Cricket betting buck, short of the ground
opening up and swallowing both teams whole, the Proteas should have this Test
sewn up, so back the Proteas now at William Hill.
Posted by Anton Johan at 14:43 on 15 December 2011
