New Zealand vs England Second Test Preview

The cricketing rivalry between New Zealand and England takes centre stage once again as the second Test begins at 10pm GMT on Thursday.

Following an emphatic eight-wicket victory by England in the first Test, this matchup promises excitement as both teams aim to make their mark.

First Test

England dominated the first Test at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, outclassing New Zealand in all departments. Brydon Carse delivered a standout performance, becoming the first England seamer in 16 years to claim a ten-wicket haul in an overseas Test.

Carse also chipped in with an unbeaten 33 at No. 10, showcasing his all-round potential. For his efforts, Carse is priced at 23/10 to be England’s top bowler in the first innings of the second Test, with Gus Atkinson slightly ahead at 19/10.

On the batting front, Jacob Bethell impressed on debut with an unbeaten fifty, sealing England’s dominant victory. His performance raises hopes for the upcoming game, with the over/under for his first-innings score set at 21.5, a tempting bet at 5/6.

England

Harry Brook has proven himself a prolific middle-order batter as he extended his remarkable Test career with a magnificent 171 off 197 balls in the first Test. However, his innings was marred by luck as New Zealand dropped him five times. With a career average bolstered by seven centuries in 22 Tests, Brook is a strong contender for England’s top run-scorer at 3/1.

Zak Crawley had a forgettable outing with scores of 0 and 1, Crawley is under pressure to rediscover his Ashes form. If he can bounce back, his odds of 6/1 to be England’s top run-scorer in the first innings could be a value pick.

With England continuing with an unchanged squad, Pope remains at No. 6 while keeping wicket once again. His adaptability will be crucial as England seeks to maintain their aggressive approach.

England, bolstered by their convincing win, enters this match at 21/20, a slight underdog despite their dominance in the first Test.

New Zealand

New Zealand’s top-order batting was a concern in the first Test, with Devon Conway struggling in both innings. However, Kane Williamson shone brightly, scoring 93 and 61. Williamson is 5/2 to be New Zealand’s top scorer, while his line to hit a fifty in the first innings sits at 5/6 – a tempting bet given his form.

Fielding was New Zealand’s Achilles’ heel, with seven dropped catches, including five reprieves to Harry Brook. If they tighten up their fielding, they stand a much better chance of competing in the second Test.

Wellington’s pitch is expected to offer less assistance to bowlers than Christchurch, potentially favouring batters. A hundred in the match is priced as short as 1/8, reflecting the expectation of more runs.

Despite their eight-wicket defeat, the home side remains EVS favourites, reflecting the confidence in their ability to rebound, and take advantage of this testing surface.

Prediction

Both teams have standout performers – Harry Brook and Kane Williamson – who will be pivotal once again. The enhanced market for both to score a fifty in the first innings is priced at an enticing 11/2. While the home pitch advantage makes New Zealand favourites, England’s commanding first-Test victory suggests a tightly contested battle. Backing England to edge this at 21/20 could provide value for punters.