Foolish writing off Australia in numerous Champions Trophy markets

With their star batsmen struggling with a back problem and a team down on morale after two successive defeats, it is easy to understand why there may be some reluctance to part with money on the Australia cricket team at present.

However, while it may be hard to make too much of a case for backing the Aussies to win the Champions Trophy for the third time in succession at 10/1, the 7/4 that Australia qualify from Group A into the semi finals does look a fair price.

Australia’s problems started in their final warm-up match for the Champions Trophy, when being bowled out for 65 by India brought about a defeat by 243 runs.

Then Michael Clarke was ruled out of their tournament opener with England, as Australia were beaten by 34 runs against the hosts, meaning they now realistically have to beat New Zealand and Sri Lanka to qualify from Group A.

What should be noted is that Australia won their one-day series with the West Indies 5-0 ahead of their India humbling and an early defeat at the Champions Trophy does not historically mean an instant elimination.

In fact, in the last two renewals, three of the eight teams to reach the semi finals did so having lost their tournament opener, including Australia themselves en route to lifting the trophy in 2006.

It is Oceanic neighbours New Zealand that lie in wait next and Australia have also only lost two of their last 10 one-day encounters between the pair.

Other markets that involve Australia and the Champions Trophy include 15/2 that they reach the semi finals by topping Group A, 11/4 that they do so through being runners up and 2/5 that they are eliminated in the group stages.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.