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New Zealand v England Test Cricket Betting Tips & Predictions
England showed hosts New Zealand no mercy in the first Test as the tourists claimed a convincing 267-run victory.
The tourists were put into bat and after passing the 300-mark on day one, captain Ben Stokes took the brave decision to declare to allow his fast bowlers a crack at the New Zealand batting line-up.
It worked a treat. England made 325-9 before declaring with Ben Duckett (84) and Harry Brook (89) leading the way.
Stokes’ plan worked as England claimed three wickets late on to reduce the hosts to 37-3. Day two was a little bit better for New Zealand as they were eventually bowled out for 306. Tom Blundell was the hero as he blasted 138 from 181 deliveries to put them just 19 runs behind England.
It wasn’t long until England were back in full control. Half-centuries from Joe Root, Brook and Ben Foakes saw England post 374 to set New Zealand a target of 394 to win the first Test.
Once Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad got hold of the pink ball for New Zealand’s second innings, the result of this Test match was never in doubt.
England ended day three in full control as the hosts crumbled to 63-5 with Broad doing most of the damage with four wickets, while Ollie Robinson claimed one scalp.
With five wickets needed on day four, England quickly got the job done with Anderson the chief tormentor with four wickets of his own, while Jack Leach got in on the act with one.
England captain Stokes is not shy in taking a gamble in order to win Test matches, and that is what fans want to watch.
I am backing England to dominate the Test match in Wellington. Back Brook to continue his rise in Test cricket by top-scoring in the first innings, while I am also going with Duckett and Root to both hit half-centuries.
For New Zealand, I can see them struggling with England’s bowling attack, but I expect opener Devon Conway to top score and add to the 77 he scored in the first innings of the first Test.
