Some interesting matches starting this weekend.

International:

Aust $1.33
Draw $4.25
Paki $9.50

Australia seem to struggle with dead rubbers and face up to Pakistan on January 2nd for the third and final test match in a series already wrapped up by the all conquering Aussies. Pakistan are struggling with injuries. Mohammad Sami and Shoaib Malik are out of the 3rd Test and Abdul Razzaq is in hospital for observation with a mystery illness, Inzamam-ul-Haq has a back complaint but should be cleared to play. Australia look likely to make some changes with McGill and Watson comming into the squad, I believe Lehmann was given a reprieve by not being required to bat in the 2nd innings of the last game and he will get a start in the 3rd test. McGill will probably get a run at the expense of Kasperwicz and Watson will be 12th man.

As I will be at the opening days play I am hoping Australia bat first and set a big target for the Paki's.

RSA $?
DRW $?
ENG $?

South Africa Vs England in the third of a five test series, England go into the third game with a 1-0 lead. But I think South Africa has shown improvement in their cricket and as some of the newer players get more game time they can improve further. I think South Africa where complacent in their second appearance in the field, after bowling England out for 139 in the first innings it seemed as though they came out expecting the same in the second innings.
Not withstanding the form England have shown throughout 2004, I believe that South Africa is close to a win.

ING Cup:

Tas $2.10 Vs QLD $1.67 in a top of the table clash, could an upset be on the cards, QLD will be without Martin Love who has failed to recover fully from a finger injury sustained earlier in the season. QLD are 6 ponts clear of Tasmania on the ladder but have only one more win than the Taswegians plus two extra bonus points. Tasmania have the home ground advantage which I think will play a big part in their attempt to beat the Bulls.

Vic $1.45 Vs SA $2.60 . Victoria are 3 and 3 so far this year whereas SA have won 1 from 6 and are equal last on the table with a woeful NSW, (although they have played one more game than NSW). SA have excuses in that they are looking to the future and have blooded a lot of young players this year. I think a Victorian win at home is inevitable.

WA $1.78 VS NSW $1.95 . Brett Lee back into the side and playing at the WACCA, can he make the difference NSW has been so severly lacking this year. The WA side has performed quite well this year and are 3 and 2 they too are in the same position as NSW with a game in hand over the rest of the teams.
This is a must win game for NSW if they are to have any chance at a finals berth. Making the finals appears unlikely but a win here would not be beyond NSW don't write them off.

Prices from sportstab