World class Test series are happening all over the world at the moment, and the next will kick off on Thursday morning as New Zealand host England in the 1st of three Tests from Christchurch. Check out our full preview and betting tips for the clash below.
New Zealand vs England 1st Test Betting Tips
Christchurch, Thursday 28th November, 9.00am (AEDT)
New Zealand
The Kiwis are riding a high after an absolutely momentous 3-0 Test series win in India just last month. India had both the top runscorer and the top wicket taker in the series, but it was a team effort from New Zealand, who claimed their first series win in India in their 13th try dating all the way back to 1955.
What’s even more impressive is that the Kiwis did it without their anchor in the batting line-up, Kane Williamson, who missed all three Tests but is set to return for the home series against England. In his absence, it was young star Rachin Ravindra who stepped up for NZ, plundering 256 runs at 51.2 in the three Tests.
With the ball, it was Matt Henry who was the standout for the Kiwis, taking 10 wickets in just two matches before missing the third due to a niggle. Henry should be primed to get back on home soil, where conditions suit him even more. Expect a big series from him.
Matt Henry 3+ Wickets (1st Inn)
$1.90
Predicted New Zealand XI: Tom Latham (c), Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell, Glenn Phillips, Nathan Smith, Tim Southee, Will O’Rourke, Matt Henry
England
England are coming off a 2-1 series loss in Pakistan, losing the final two games of the series after claiming a miraculous victory in the first. With the loss, they are mathematically eliminated from the race in 2023-25 ICC Test Championship but will still no doubt be desperate to perform well here to give themselves a nice springboard into next years Ashes in Australia.
There has been a fair turnover in role players in the English Test setup of late, but the core remains as lynchpins Ben Stokes, Joe Root, Harry Brook and Ollie Pope will all be making the trip to New Zealand.
Where we will see some fresh faces, however, is in the fast-bowling contingent for the touring side. Gus Atkinson, Matthew Potts, Brydon Carse and Olly Stone are hardly household names, but should all play some role in this series, alongside stalwart Chris Woakes and a three-man spin bowling contingent of Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir and Rehan Ahmed. In true English fashion, the Three Lions have announced their playing XI a few days out to relieve any speculation.
England Playing XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ollie Pope, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Shoaib Bashir
Prediction
England have not travelled extremely well in Test matches over the past few years, but of all the Test playing nations around the globe, New Zealand is arguably where the conditions most suit that of England. The weather is nearly always overcast, the pitches are often green and the ball usually swings around at the start of an innings.
In saying that, I think it’s hard to look past the Kiwis in this opening game. Riding the high of the series win in India, they are primed for this series and a 3-0 performance could see them shoot back into contention for the coveted top two in the World Test Championship. With Kane Williamson back in the side on home soil, where he averages a ridiculous 66.85, I expect them to get the job done here.
New Zealand to win
$1.90 (1 Unit)
