Test cricket is in full throttle at the moment, and another great series kicks off on Sunday morning as New Zealand square off against South Africa in the 1st Test from Mount Maunganui. Check out our preview and betting tips for the clash below.
New Zealand vs South Africa 1st Test Betting Tips
Mount Maunganui, Sunday 4th February, 9am (AEDT)
New Zealand
The Kiwis come into this match not having played a Test since the 6th of December. They tied that two Test series with Bangladesh on the road and will be looking to improve their standings in the World Test Championship with a better performance in this two match series at home.
New Zealand will have basically a full strength squad for the 1st Test, with the most notable name on the list, all-rounder Kyle Jamieson. Even though Jamieson played that last Test in December, it feels like he hasn’t been fully fit in the lead up to a Test series in a few years, and he should make a massive difference to this Kiwi outfit at home with both bat and ball.
Predicted New Zealand XI: Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell, Mitchell Santner, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Matt Henry
South Africa
South Africa are coming off a solid home stand against India where they tied the two Test series 1-1. There were some standout performers in that series, particularly paceman Kagiso Rabada, who climbed into No.2 in the Test bowler rankings with 11 wickets over the two matches.
This South Africa side will be completely different to the one that faced India in those two Tests though, as the majority of the top line Proteas are playing in the South African T20 league at the moment. It’s hard to predict how this XI will look, given the vast majority of players in the squad are all but unknown on the international circuit.
South Africa Squad: Keegan Petersen, David Bedingham, Clyde Fortuin, Raynard van Tonder, Khaya Zondo, Zubayr Hamza, Neil Brand, Mihlali Mpongwana, Shaun von Berg, Tshepo Moreki, Duanne Olivier, Dane Paterson, Dane Piedt
Betting Tips
Pretty hard to look past the Kiwis here against this second rate South Africa line-up, particularly at home. This squad should be a class above and they’ll be desperate to take advantage of of the fortuitous scheduling conflict to improve their standings in the World Test Championship and jump into the coveted top two.
Not a lot of meat left on the bone for the Kiwis at just $1.20, so I’m taking the value on offer for Kane Williamson 1st innings runs here. Williamson is a beast in New Zealand, averaging 66.6 on home soil. Back him to jump on this weakened SA bowling attack.
Kane Williamson Over 42.5 Runs
$1.82
