The second Test of the three-match test series between the England and New Zealand Cricket teams will get underway on Thursday, December 5. It is being held at Cello Basin Reserve in Wellington, New Zealand.
Let’s see if we can find some value in the betting odds.
What? Cricket Test Series: New Zealand vs. England
Where? Cello Basin Reserve in Wellington, New Zealand
England’s hopes of capitalizing on their dominant victory against New Zealand in the second Test have received a significant lift this week.
The visitors sealed an emphatic eight-wicket triumph on the fourth day in Christchurch, though concerns lingered over Ben Stokes’ fitness. The England skipper, who has already missed four Tests in 2024 due to a hamstring issue, raised fresh doubts about his condition last week.
Despite the worries, Stokes is now anticipated to be available, providing a crucial advantage as England aims to clinch their first Test series win in New Zealand since 2008.
England (+115)
The win in the first test marked England’s seventh away victory since the partnership of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum began in May 2022. However, while their performance in the latter stages of this series opener was decisive, it doesn’t quite compare to the dramatic wins in Rawalpindi in December 2022 or Hyderabad earlier this year.
New Zealand’s errors both at the crease and in the field largely contributed to their undoing. Their first-innings total of 348 all out set the tone for costly mistakes, but it was in the field where the damage was most pronounced. Dropping eight catches—including five off Harry Brook, who crafted a remarkable 171 from 197 balls—was surprising, particularly after their recent 3-0 sweep in India. Even accounting for England’s aggressive style, such lapses proved disastrous.
England looked too strong in the first test and I expect them to win again. +115 looks good value.
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New Zealand (+110)
Left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner is in contention to rejoin New Zealand’s lineup for the second Test against England, though head coach Gary Stead remains committed to backing his batters despite the eight-wicket defeat in the opening match on Sunday.
Santner, who claimed 13 wickets during his last Test appearance in India, where the Black Caps sealed a series victory, has been included in the squad for the Wellington and Hamilton matches. New Zealand opted for a four-seamer attack in the Christchurch opener, with debutant Nathan Smith appearing the most likely to step aside should Santner be brought into the playing XI for the second Test in Wellington.
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Starting out in the betting industry, Henry later found his calling in sports writing. Specializing in soccer, golf, and darts, he also offers insights into a wide array of sports across the globe. After earning a BA Honors degree in Business and Management, Henry advanced through the ranks at William Hill in England. His career isn't just limited to sports; he's also made a mark in Property and Finance, fields in which he remains engaged. Henry now resides in Barcelona, where he enjoys playing golf year-round as part of the Real Federacion Espanola de Golf.