Bookies World Cup Betting Bonanza

Bookmakers William Hill accepted just over £1 million on the opening match of the Cricket World Cup and are now confident that the industry figures of £100 million being wagered over the World Cup will be exceeded.

"The World Cup has got off to a flyer and is gearing up to be one of the biggest betting turnover events of all time, even the minnow matches are turning over nearly half a million and as long as Australia and England fail to win the event will be a bonanza for the bookies." said William Hill's spokesman Rupert Adams.

England's first game, against the Kiwis, is difficult to call and William Hill offer 10/11 - take your pick.

Kevin Pietersen is the well backed 11/4 favourite to be England's top run scorer, closely followed by Michael Vaughan at 4/1 and talisman Freddie Flintoff a 14/1 shot to top score.

William Hill rate Pietersen as their 2/1 favourite to be the first England player to hit a six with Flintoff offered at 4/1.