India v Australia - Bank on India to beat the credit crunch
3rd test 29th October

Weather

I have never been a huge fan of pre-match bets in test matches, but once in a while an opportunity comes along which you simply can't ignore.

India take on Australia at the Feroz Shah Kotla ground in Delhi for the third test in this charged series. In my opinion, the 1-0 scoreline is fully deserved by India and this series is finally marking the end of an era for Australian cricket. So far there has been little spark, with the likes of the ever-dependable Michael Hussey being a notable exception. The Australian bowling simply does not look fit for purpose on the subcontinent, and the fact that they are considering bringing in off-spinner Jason  Krejza for his test bow (first-class average: 50.09) alongside leg-spinner Cameron White (FC average: 38.57) highlight that the Aussies are embarrassingly short of any sort of spinner approaching international quality.

In comparison, India have an embarrassment of riches in the spin department, with a quandary of whether or not to bring back captain Anil Kumble - who picked up a 'Perfect Ten' against Pakistan at this ground in 1997 - in favour of Amit Mishra (seven wickets in his debut test). Harbhajan Singh took five wickets in the second test, while the opening partnership of Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma has gone from strength to strength, setting the tone for the innings with early wickets.

I simply cannot see Australia taking twenty wickets, and at a ground where we have seen seven consecutive Indian victories, odds-on would have been a fair price. However, the layers are making the draw favourite, which is difficult to compute, considering that India will go in with at least two quality spinners on a pitch which the curator promises would be a 'present' for Kumble. India have the confidence, the mental edge, and they know how to win at this ground. The weather is set fair and I think that India to win the third test is arguably bet of the week.

NJ's Bet:

India to beat Australia in the 3rd Test - 5pts @ 2.9 Betfair

Nishant Joshi