A confident Australia will be overwhelming favourites to defeat New Zealand in the second Test starting in Christchurch on Saturday, 20th of February. The Aussies have a 1-0 lead and it is up to the hosts to improve drastically to salvage the series.
It was an impressive display with both bat and ball from Australia as New Zealand succumbed to an innings defeat within four days in the first Test. With all eyes on Brendon McCullum for his farewell match, can the Kiwis rise up to the occasion and send him out a winner?
The top order failed miserably for the Kiwis in Wellington with the hosts losing the initiative on the first day. It will take a lot of runs from them to get back on track, especially from their talisman Kane Williamson. A lot will depend on the platform laid by New Zealand openers Tom Latham and Martin Guptill as well as the impact McCullum can make.
The home sides bowling was lack luster, though they would feel undone by Adam Voges’ fortunate ‘no-ball out’ at a crucial time of the match. No wonder then that the Kiwi camp is craving for a greener pitch to bring their bowlers into the equation. Trent Boult will be under lot of pressure to lead the attack as John Bracewell has been ruled out due to injury, Matt Henry or Neil Wagner will be called into the side.
Australia, on the other hand, will be impressed by what they dished out in the first match. Voges made the most his good form and a bit of luck to continue on with his exceptional glut of runs. Captain Steve Smith would be happy most of his batsmen were able to score.
It was a collective effort for the Aussies as they were just as dangerous with the ball. Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon were able to mount pressure on both ends of the pitch as they took vital wickets throughout both innings. Peter Siddle is ruled out with an injury and James Pattinson will be recalled to the side. Mitchell Marsh was unable to score but was lethal with the ball in his hands.
We are backing the Kiwis to cause an upset on this one and level the series.
TIP: New Zealand @ $2.85 with Sportsbet
A lot will depend on the performance of Williamson but we believe Latham will put the most runs on the boards for the Kiwis.
TIP: Latham to top score @ $4.33 with Sportsbet
We are predicting Voges to continue his good form and top score for the away side.
TIP: Voges to top score @ $4.50 with Sportsbet
On the Green pitch we believe Lyon will get thrown the ball early on and make the most of his opportunities.
TIP: Lyon leading wicket taker @ $4.00 with Ladbrokes
How will the final Test of McCullum sway? Can the Kiwis find an answer to the Aussie juggernaut? We will find the answers starting tomorrow!
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
