The first major Test series of the 2001-2002 season begins on Saturday when South Africa play India at Bloemfontein, and Ladbrokes have today released their odds for the series. An Indian series victory is priced at 7/1, making them outsiders to take the series. However, there is some hope for Indian fans, with Sachin Tendulkar favourite to be top series runscorer at 4/1, while 2-0 to South Africa is the favourite series result.

Ladbrokes' Matt Finnigan told CricInfo "If this series is anything like the fantastic Tests between India and Australia, it could be a cracker. We make South Africa firm favourites (1/4), mainly due to their home advantage and superiority in the pace department, but really, with quality players like Tendulkar, Harbhajan Singh and VVS Laxman in the Indian side, anything could happen."

"Sachin would be the choice of most to be the top run-scorer in the series, and is priced accordingly at 4/1 but punters may look at the odds on players like Laxman (10/1) and even Ganguly (8/1) for better value. With such a strong batting line up, any of these players could score heavily, and the odds on less heralded players could be highly attractive to the knowledgeable fan of Indian cricket."

Ladbrokes feel that this three-match series will grab the attention of cricket fans worldwide. "Throughout Test cricket at the moment, there is a strong trend towards result matches. That's good for Test cricket, and good for the spectator too. This series should get the winter of Test cricket off to a cracking start." This sentiment is reflected in the long odds for a 0-0 series result (20/1). An Indian series victory is also well priced with 1-0 (20/1), 2-1 (25-1), and an Indian 3-0 whitewash at 50/1.

Ladbrokes have revealed that they will be offering odds for many of the major series this winter, as well as a range of special bets. If you would like to place your bet on South Africa v India, click here.

© Ladbrokes