Australia second favourites in ICC Champions Trophy cricket betting

Australia go into the ICC Champions' Trophy this week as second favourites in online cricket betting markets following a crushing 6-1 ODI series win over England.

Ricky Ponting's side are on 4.50 to take the tournament behind hosts South Africa on 3.50, with odds from Sportingbet.

South Africa kick off the competition tonight against Sri Lanka, with Australia set to take on the West Indies at the Wanders Stadium, Johannesburg, on Saturday.

After four months in England the biggest problem for Ricky Ponting's side could be tiredness – his side have just played in the World Twenty20, The Ashes and a seven-fixture ODI series.

Ponting said: "We haven't got a lot of games in the Champions Trophy. Let's hope we go there and peak at the right time."

Ponting is among a number of players who have criticised the packed international cricket schedule recently, which with the ICC Champions' Trophy sees the second international tournament in the space of three months.

However, Australia will still be looking to pull out a strong showing against the West Indies, who are the 26.00 outsiders to win the title outright.

Only England currently have longer odds with Sportingbet, on 16.00, while India are third favourites behind Australia on 5.25.