New Zealand will host England in the first Test of a three-match series in Christchurch starting tomorrow (November 28). Here's Wisden's pick of the betting odds for the opening game.
NZ v ENG first Test: Who will win?
New Zealand are coming off a historic 3-0 clean sweep against India in the latter’s backyard. It ended India’s record 12-year streak at home, during which they won 18 Test series on the trot, the longest by any team. By doing the unthinkable, New Zealand are well and truly back in the World Test Championship final race. They are placed fourth on the points table with a points percentage of 54.55 from 11 matches.
On the other hand, sixth-placed England are realistically not in with a chance to make it to the summit clash. They have a PCT of 40.79 from 19 matches. The last time the two sides met in the format last year, the hard-fought series was shared 1-1.
On home turf, the odds are in New Zealand's favour to seal the series opener. Batery is offering a 1.80 return on every pound bet on New Zealand's win, with a 2.00 return on an England victory.
9⃣ wickets for the spinners and 1⃣ run out.
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) November 26, 2024
Pakistan’s spinners have now taken nine or more wickets in an ODI innings four times, with two of the previous instances also happening in Zimbabwe back in 2015.
Check the full list here ➡️ https://t.co/V6vfZ5xvqH pic.twitter.com/Pi6vHkNB6R
NZ v ENG first Test: What are the chances of a batter scoring a hundred?
New Zealand batters Rachin Ravindra and Will Young rose to the occasion in India. However, the conditions at Hagley Oval are expected to be conducive to fast bowling. Kane Williamson’s return after an injury hiatus has bolstered the hosts’ batting. For England, there are plenty of batting firepower as well. Harry Brook, Player of the Series last time, will look to replicate his performance. The tourists also have the ever-dependable Joe Root to bank on. According to Batery, the chances of a batter scoring a hundred in the match are priced at 1.13 as opposed to not scoring one (5.20).
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