Fresh off the back of a quick and competitive ODI Series, Australia and New Zealand meet in the first of two test matches at Wellington’s Basin Reserve from Friday morning.
Australia won a three match Test series 2-0 across the ditch at the beginning of summer, however New Zealand’s 2-1 triumph in last week’s ODI series is sure to have delivered the team plenty of confidence leading into the first test in Wellington.
While more than capable of a flat performance, Australia’s largely positive summer has meant they will start the first test in Wellington narrow $2.20 favourites to defeat New Zealand ($2.50).
We’re offering the best odds on a wide variety of markets for both tests between Australia and New Zealand!
Head To Head Betting
Plenty was made of the three match series played in Australia at the beginning of summer after the two nations met in the World Cup decider earlier in 2015, but a largely dominant display by Steve Smith’s men led to a comfortable 2-0 series win.
Both teams have continued to play competitive cricket since then however, and the fact this series is being played in New Zealand undoubtedly adds an extra element to the contest.
Australia are deserving $2.20 favourites in head to head betting markets but still represent plenty of value at current odds. New Zealand are more than capable on their day however, and the Aussies will have to take control of the match from the outset to ensure success.
Recommended Bet: Back Australia to win at $2.20
Top Australian Batsman
While far from a strong all-round performance, select Australian players stood up to be counted in the series; namely batsmen Joe Burns and Usman Khawaja, while both Steve Smith and David Warner also chipped in.
If Australia is to continue winning form over New Zealand in the five day format, more than one player will have to score a big century, and top run scorer markets offer plenty of value as a result.
Should Australia suffer early wickets, Smith ($4) is sure to lead from the front while Usman Khawaja’s ($4) current form suggests he will be amongst the runs once more in Wellington. Openers David Warner ($4.33) and Joe Burns ($6) arguably offer the best value for money to be Australia’s top run scorer.
Recommended Bet: Back David Warner to be Australia’s top run scorer at $4.33
Top New Zealand Batsman
New Zealand’s top order has arguably been to thank for their strong rise to prominence over the last 18 months and they will be key to the nation’s chances of success against Australia from Friday.
Kane Williamson ($3.25) is now ranked as the best test batsman in the world and rarely looks like scoring less-than triple figures when he approaches the middle, while opener Martin Guptill ($4.50) is capable of brilliance on his day.
Captain Brendon McCullum ($6) will retire from test cricket following this series and represents terrific value to top New Zealand’s scoresheet should the top order fail to get going.
Recommended Bet: Back Kane Williamson to be New Zealand’s top run scorer at $3.25
Top Australian Wicket Taker
Australia are spoiled for choice with their plethora of top-line pace bowlers currently, but the loss of Mitchell Starc to injury is a huge blow to the team’s potency in New Zealand.
Josh Hazelwood ($3.50) is undoubtedly Australia’s first choice test bowler currently while James Pattinson ($3.50) appears to have edged himself back into the squad full time.
The value in this market undoubtedly lies with whether or not genuine swing bowler Jackson Bird ($4.50) is selected as Australia’s third pace bowler. The New Zealand conditions will play directly into the Tasmanian’s strengths and he will be hard to play should selectors decide to replace Peter Siddle.
Recommended Bet: Back Jackson Bird to be Australia’s top wicket taker at $4.50 (should he be selected)
Top New Zealand Wicket Taker
New Zealand’s decision to hold firm with their bowling line up through recent years has really started to pay dividends in the test arena, and the combination of Tim Southee ($3.75) and Trent Boult ($3.25) continues to go from strength to strength.
Southee’s consistent line and length couple with Boult’s immense swinging talents have proven too much for some of the world’s best batting line-ups several times already and it is likely one of these two bowlers will top the Kiwi’s wicket taking list once more.
Recommended Bet: Back Trent Boult to be New Zealand’s leading wicket taker at $3.25
Specialty Markets
We’re offering a range of unique betting options for the first test between Australia and New Zealand, including Innings of Winnings!