Brisbane test cricket novelty bet

Isn't it interesting how bookmakers now must follow the news? It's a great way of getting people interested in their product.

The latest "gimmick" (I couldn't find a better word) is based on comments from the West Indies coach that fast bowler Jerome Taylor has the better of Ricky Ponting.

Yes, Taylor has gotten Ponting out a couple of times. But will the mind games fool the punters?

Given that the Australians are only likely to bat once, it really is a matter of "will he or won't he?".

Sportingbet Australia is offering odds on how many times Jerome Taylor can pick up the scalp of Ricky Ponting in the First Test after West Indies coach David Williams claimed his opening bowler had the Aussie skipper’s measure.

Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said the option of no times was the favourite despite Taylor’s recent statistical dominance.

“We have no dismissals at $1.45, One at $2.65 and Two as a $9.00 outsider given that there’s every chance the Windies won’t even bowl twice,” said Sullivan.

“Ponting is a class act and while Taylor has got him eight times, we’ll back him in a head to head on home soil any day.”

TAYLOR v PONTING
Sportingbet Australia Market
Taylor does not dismiss Ponting 1.45
Taylor dismisses Ponting Once 2.65
Taylor dismisses Ponting Twice 9.00