Before you have a bet on today's Champions Trophy match between India and West Indies read BR cricket analyst Ed Hawkins' preview first...

India v West Indies
13.30 Jo'burg, Weds

The Champions Trophy is proving to be a lottery, hence the the appearance of England and New Zealand, considered the two weakest sides in the tournament if we discount no hopers West Indies, in the semi-finals.

Why? Because games are being decided on the toss. At Centurion, the day-night games have been won by the side batting first as a favourite punting plan has proved fruitful. While in Jo'burg they have been won by the side bowling first on a wicket that has been described as "dangerous".

Certainly it looked exactly that when New Zealand - as predicted on this blog - did for England. India and West Indies will do battle on it again on Wednesday. It will be the exact same pitch which saw balls leaping from a length and keeping low. No wonder England could barely muster 140.

So what to bet on in this must-win game for India? Come on, folks surely we don't have to spell it out? Back West Indies if they bowl first.

They are as big as 7.6 on Betfair, with India as short as 1.14. If the Windies get to test the courage of the Indian batsmen, wickets look likely given what has gone before. Garren Sammy, Kemar Roach, Darren Bernard and Gavin Tonge have all done damage on this surface before and they can do so again.

West Indies could shorten if the toss goes the way we want it too. But they're unlikely to get shorter than 6.

Recommended Bet:

Back West Indies to trade if they bowl first
2pts 6-7.6 Betfair