The cricket commentators and punters in England have dubbed India as a dark horse, Australia as favourites and star batsman Sachin Tendulkar, riding high with the bookies, to be the leading scorer.

India, initially dismissed as “underdogs” alongwith defending champions, Sri Lanka, are described as dark horse by leading cricket writers as well as punters.

South Africans who arrived in London on the weekend are the current 3-1 favourites followed by Australians, riding 7-2. Indians are 12-1 favourites to take a semi- final berth along with Pakistan Australia and South Africa.

Tendulkar is the bookies delight and is 12-1 favourite to emerge as the cricket world cup 1999's top scoring batsman.

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