Batsmen to thrive at Adelaide

This winter’s Test series between Australia and India has made for enthralling viewing - both on and off the pitch - but those hoping for a rousing finale when the fourth and final Test gets under way at the Adelaide Oval in the early hours of Friday could be in for a disappointment.

A batsman-friendly pitch, coupled with the prospect of rain on the first two days, means the match could fizzle out into a draw. Blue Square offer 7-4 against a stalemate and that looks fair.

Australia lead the series 2-1 and are generally 4-5 to chalk up another win. Adelaide has certainly been a happy hunting ground for them because, since drawing against South Africa in 1998, they have won eight of nine matches played there.

Moreover, Ricky Ponting’s team will be boosted by the return of Matthew Hayden, who has recovered from a thigh injury. He averages 55 at this ground, although a better bet for Australia’s top first-innings scorer could be Michael Hussey. He averages 315 in Tests at this venue and is generally 9-2 to fill his boots.

India are  6-1 to level the series and, after an exciting 72-run win in the third Test at Perth, should not lack for confidence.

That was a terrific effort - Australia were bidding for a record-breaking 17th successive Test win - but is asking a lot of them to repeat the dose.

A lot of the India players will be playing a Test in Australia for the final time. These include the brilliant Sachin Tendulkar, but those considering backing the little maestro at 3-1 to be India’s top runscorer should be cautious because his record at Adelaide is poor.