Australia returned to winning form with a dominant performance against New Zealand in Wellington last week and will carry plenty of confidence into the second test between the two nations in Christchurch from Saturday.
An impressive display with bat and ball from Day 1 had New Zealand on the ropes almost instantly, and four days was all that was required for Steve Smith’s men to win by an innings and 53 runs.
Australia remain clear $1.90 favourites to deliver New Zealand ($2.95) another defeat in the five day format in Christchurch.
Head To Head Betting
Australia suffered a stunning 2-1 loss in their ODI series with New Zealand a fortnight ago but more than atoned for their lacklustre performances with a comfortable win at the Basin Reserve.
Having won the toss, Smith elected to bowl and was immediately rewarded for the decision when the Australian pace attack dismantled the Kiwi order; ensuring the away team would get to bat on the first day of play.
Australia’s overall performance was highlighted by a number of impressive solo acts, and it will take a monumental effort for New Zealand to reverse the result from Saturday.
Recommended Bet: Back Australia to win at $1.90
Top Australian Batsman
Smith’s decision to bowl first undoubtedly played a huge roll in Australia’s Wellington success, however a number of key batting partnerships and performances ultimately led to the Black Caps’ demise.
Adam Voges ($4.50) exceptional run of form continued via a classy 239, and the West Australian undoubtedly offers the best value for money to be Australia’s top run scorer once more in Christchurch.
Regular suspects Smith ($4.50), David Warner ($4.50) and Usman Khawaja ($3.75) are all worth consideration, however opener Joe Burns is due a big innings and may be a good bet at current $6.50 odds.
Recommended Bet: Back Adam Voges to be Australia’s top run scorer at $4.50
Top New Zealand Batsman
New Zealand’s top order simply failed to fire in Wellington, and several players will need to post big centuries if their fortunes are to reverse on the South Island.
Kane Williamson ($3.25) remains the world’s third-highest test batsman, and while failing to make any form of impact in the first test, remains the clear pick to top New Zealand’s run sheet from Saturday.
Martin Guptill ($5) is worth consideration at $5 while a second-innings knock of 63 suggests Tom Latham ($4.33) is primed for a big score.
Recommended Bet: Back Kane Williamson to be New Zealand’s top run scorer at $3.25
Top Australian Bowler
If the first test in Wellington proved anything, it’s that the New Zealand conditions suit spinner Nathan Lyon to the ground, and the spinner represents terrific value at $4 odds to take the most wickets in Christchurch.
Consistent paceman Peter Siddle has been ruled out of the second test through injury, and replacement James Pattinson ($3.75) is sure to have an impact in his place.
Josh Hazlewood is Smith’s new ‘go-to’ when nothing is happening and the New South Welshman is a fitting market leader at a quote of $3.25 to take the most wickets against New Zealand.
Recommended Bet: Back Nathan Lyon to be Australia’s top wicket taker at $4
Top New Zealand Bowler
The Wellington test was a pretty even affair amongst New Zealand’s bowling ranks, with all five taking two wickets each in their solitary innings with the ball.
Tim Southee ($3.50) and Trent Boult ($3.50) are undoubtedly the headliners of the Kiwi attack and either are more than capable of a big haul in any given test.
Matt Henry’s pace should take plenty of benefit from what appears to be a very green pitch in Christchurch, and the Canterbury local is worth consideration at $4.
Recommended Bet: Back Trent Boult to be New Zealand’s Top Wicket Taker at $3.50