Is Ricky Ponting, as some are suggesting, really the worst Australian cricket captain in modern history?Should he be leading yet another ashes bid? If so, should he be batting at number 3?Allan Border made himself a versatile batting contributor, and was happy to move around the order for the betterment of the team. Bob Simpson did the same.Those are the suggestions which are being made – and have been made from some time – among the grumblings from the backrooms of cricket hierarchy.Past...

Punters put up some fairly high stakes when they take an educated stab at picking a correct sporting result. But in most cases, the amounts are small against some of the corporate gambling.Case in point, Matthew Newton. One month out of rehab and Channel 7 trusts that drugs and violence are behind the star.Next week we’ll be picking up the odds on the X Factor as it boils down to its Australian Idol-like format.Let’s hope we, as punters, don’t make the same mistakes Channel 7 did when...

In an increasingly competitive market, bookmakers are looking for the edge. Part of their strategy is to draw markets on novelty events … the next pope, television viewing statistics, election outcomes, the list goes on.It got me wondering. What would be really fun to bet on? Betfair, take note!1. For Ben Cousins:A/ The second day would be better than the first: $1.05B/ The third day would be better than the second: $1.07C/ The fourth day would be better than the third: $1.07D/ Life would be...

Hard to believe, isn’t it? Four days after a federal election and we’re still no closer to forming a government. At least that’s how the punters would have it. No, not a tight race with 10% either way. As of 10.20am Wednesday morning, dead level. $1.87 apiece on Centrebet. Millions of dollars are tied up in the result. Let’s hope those who took the $6-8 on a hung parliament are savouring their winnings. But you’re a better pick than I am if you can say which way the four independents...