Shane Watson’s magnificent 161 not out handed Australia a one-nil lead in this seven match series, and now the sides head to Hobart to battle it out in match two.

Both teams will be missing key personnel as the home side are without talismanic middle-order batsman Mike Hussey, whilst England suffer a bigger blow with the absence of Graeme Swann. Swann has a badly bruised knee and Andy Flower will look towards James Tredwell in the spin department.

Each limited overs game has been extremely tight and the bookies make this one no different with the Aussies narrow favourites at 10/11 with Sporting Bet with England widely available at Evens.

Watson blitzed England’s bowling attack around the MCG but if they can get the Queenslander early then they can really tear through a weak Aussie batting line-up, who will miss Hussey massively.

Meanwhile England’s batsman showed they had the measure of the Aussie pace attack and without a recognised spin option they can post a huge total again and level up the series.

Kevin Pietersen looked near his best last week and for an unfortunate run-out would have made a classy ton and Coral currently have the Surrey batsman at 4/1 to top score. If he can utilise the fielding restrictions and dominate with his free-flowing style then that 4/1 is huge and is the outstanding bet of the day.

Although Watson’s knock was one of the best one day knocks at 5/2 he offers little value to top score for the home side and you should look elsewhere.

Skipper Michael Clarke occupied the crease to assist Watson in the Aussie run chase and if he plays with a bit more urgency, then at 9/2 could be the exciting betting proposition of Australia’s batting innings.