A two-match Test series doesn’t offer a great deal of scope for punters and rather gives the impression it’s been tacked on to the Ashes Tour to fill a gap between that and the start of the English domestic season. However, both New Zealand and England will be taking it seriously and, on paper and in recent history, look closely matched.
The last two Test series between the teams have ended all-square. Odds of 9/4 are available for the draw in the First Test at Eden Park and 11 of the last 16 meetings between the Kiwis and the Three Lions at that venue have ended without a positive result. England, in fact, have lost just once in Auckland in the same time period, winning four.
Joe Root’s men look the value bet at 29/20 with Unibet, therefore, unless the weather intervenes. New Zealand’s climate can be even more temperamental than that in England and they have concerns over the fitness of Ross Taylor. He is one of only two really world-class batsmen that the hosts possess. The other is captain Kane Williamson, who can be almost impossible to dislodge if in the mood. However, that pair can’t do everything on their own. New Zealand’s attack is not as quick or devastating as Australia’s but they are experienced and know how the get the best out of home conditions.
England will certainly have to be wary but they’ve had a major boost with Ben Stokes able to bowl in the nets having struggled in England’s ODI win against the Kiwis. Jimmy Anderson will lead the line for England’s bowling attack but his long-time new-ball partner Stuart Broad might find himself relegated. The 31-year-old Nottinghamshire quickie has been away and modified his bowling action having been poor over the last 12 months – he only picked up 11 wickets in that Ashes debacle. His place could be taken by either Mark Wood or the ever-improving Chris Woakes.
Captain Root scored an untroubled century in England’s final prep game and it’s hard to get away from the Yorkshireman being top scorer in the First Test at 11/4 with Betway, though fellow Yorkie Johnny Bairstow has been in equally good form and the wicketkeeper is an attractive 17/2 with Unibet to be Top England Batsman. Williamson will be targeted by England’s bowlers but, with Taylor a possible absentee, the 3/1 with Betway for the Kiwi skipper to be Top New Zealand Batsman looks good.
