With a win in Wellington, England took a 2-0 lead in their three match Test series in New Zealand and wrapped up the series win along with it. The third match kicks off on Friday morning from Hamilton. Check out our preview and betting tips for the clash below.
New Zealand vs England 3rd Test Betting Tips
Hamilton, Saturday 14th December, 9am (AEDT)
England
England's aggressive "Bazball" approach, characterized by fearless batting and bold declarations, has been a key factor in their success so far. Harry Brook has been the catalyst of this game style, plundering 349 runs at an average of 116.3 including two magnificent centuries. In fact, England have four of the top five runscorers in the series, with Jacob Bethell, Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope all contributing valuable runs at fast pace.
Their bowling unit hasn’t has as much to do simply due to the fact that their batting line-up has been so dominant, however, the emergence of Brydon Carse has been the shining light. The 29 year old, who had played just two Tests prior to this series, has taken 16 wickets in this series already, at a ridiculous average of 12.8.
Unlikely that England will make a change to their top seven, but I think we could see one or more of their fast bowling contingent be rested/rotated for the final match. Carse will obviously play, but expect either/both of Matthew Potts or Olly Stone to get a crack.
England Predicted XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ollie Pope, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Matthew Potts, Shoaib Bashir
New Zealand
What a turn of fortunes it’s been for New Zealand, who were just coming off a historic 3-0 series win in India last month to now trail 0-2 at home to New Zealand. The Kiwis just haven’t been able to find their groove with bat or ball in this series. Only Kane Williamson has looked a thread in their batting line-up, averaging 48.75 in the series. The likes of Darryl Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra, who the Kiwis relied on so much in India, have both been underwhelming.
The bowling has been slightly more positive for New Zealand, but not by much. Matt Henry continues to prove himself as a true world class seamer but he hasn’t had nearly enough support from Tim Southee and Will O’Rourke throughout the series.
With a pretty limited squad that only features one extra seam bowler, it’ll be interesting to see what the Kiwis do here.
New Zealand Predicted XI: Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell, Glenn Phillips, Nathan Smith, Tim Southee, Jacob Duffey, Matt Henry
Prediction
I’ve tipped the Kiwis to win both of the first two games this series and I truly believe they have more to offer here so I’m sticking with them to at least get something on the board here and avoid the whitewash. England may take their foot off the gas slightly here, especially given their chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship Final are already dashed.
You have to feel a big score is coming for either Ravindra or Mitchell, who are both world class players that are yet to fire in this series. Back the Kiwis at good value.
