Aussies dominate Proteas and betting after day one of 1st Test

The bookmakers have declared the first Test between Australia and South Africa a foregone conclusion with Mitchell Starc’s return from injury and a blistering David Warner knock the highlights of an eventful day in Perth.

The electric left-handed Starc, returning despite a open wound on his leg, swung the momentum the Aussies way in the opening over of the match when he dismissed Stephen Cook, finishing with 4-71 as the Proteas crumbled to be all out for 242.

David Warner then stole the limelight with 73 from just 62 balls to guide the Aussies to 105 without loss, with Shaun Marsh on 29 at the other end.

This dominance has been reflected in the live betting odds at Sportsbet.com.au with Australia the $1.15 favourite to win the Test and claim a 1-0 lead in the best of three series.

The out of form Aussies were $2 favourite heading into the game with the Proteas paying $3.05 despite being one of the only teams in world cricket with a decent record on the traditionally bouncy WACA deck.

The head to head odds mirrored the Proteas inability to handle Starc, slowly drifting out to $6 after lunch, before firing, on the back of Warner, to the $12 mark by the close of play.

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Warner’s blistering knock has seen him slashed into $1.83 to make the most runs for the Australian innings, with his nearest challenger his opening buddy Marsh, a $4.33 chance with Sportsbet.

It was not the most traditional knock from Warner as he went hell for leather after the Proteas quicks, nicking several balls over slips and surviving a LBW shout which was not given because it was a no ball.

This means the bookies are not convinced by his performance and are offering some decent odds for him to go on and make more runs. The powerhouse at $2.25 to make more than 122.5 at Sportsbet.

If you are looking for something a bit more juicy, Marsh, who is always fighting for his Test career and has looked composed this innings, is paying $4.60 to make a century in the Aussies first innings.