England side high on confidence after one-day series win; have the momentum going into the first test match in Auckland on Thursday.
It was 2-2 going into the final ODI at Hagley Oval just over a week ago, which should have made for a truly great spectacle. England however, managed to dominate proceedings, winning comfortably with seventeen overs still left to play to snatch the series 3-2 overall.
One of the most noticeable performances that contributed to England’s success came from Jonny Bairstow who was in inspired batting form. He managed to score over a century for the fourth time in a one day international series, putting him in good stead for the upcoming tests. Get him to be England’s top run scorer in the first test at cricket betting odds of 7/1.
The biggest talking points however, going into the first test on Thursday, include the fitness of Ben Stokes and the likelihood of him making an appearance, the addition of Martin Guptill into the Kiwi ranks and finally whether or not England can maintain focus and continue their winning ways against one of their biggest rivals.
Will Ben Stokes play a part?
Ben Stokes has been a consistent talking point for many different reasons over the past few months, however the only one that matters at this moment in time is his fitness and wellbeing for the tests ahead. Stokes has had many irritable injury problems over the past few months and was seen as a major doubt for the first test match on Thursday. Much to England’s liking however, Stokes has managed to speedily overcome his injury woes and is now on track to bowl in the first test. No doubt, this will boost the confidence of both England fans and players alike. Get Ben Stokes to be England’s top wicket taker here at test match betting odds of 9/2.
New Kiwi call-up
New Zealand on the other hand are looking to make up for their 3-2 loss in the ODI series by strengthening their 13 man squad to give more depth to their play. The man who has been drafted in to help achieve this is Martin Guptill. Over the past few years, Guptill has re-invented himself as a middle order batsman and is an athlete who can provide cover to multiple positions, making him flexible for the test matches ahead. Get Guptill and the rest of the Kiwi’s to win the first test here at cricket betting odds of 9/4.
Can England turn it up a level?
With the ODI victories accomplished, the expectations of England are high. Furthermore, the return of Ben Stokes can only heighten these due to his knack of producing when it matters. If the one-day internationals are anything to go by, then it certainly won’t be easy for England, but we’d argue they have enough talent and experience in their ranks to cruise to test victory. Get England to win here at cricket betting odds of 7/5.
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