New Zealand vs England predictions, tips & Odds update, 1st Test

New Zealand will host England in the first of two Test matches starting on Thursday at Bay Oval, Tauranga. Our New Zealand vs England betting predictions will run you through all the latest news surrounding the series, plus highlight our best bets and tips for the Test match.

For England it marks the first Test match since losing the Ashes to Australia on home soil, and will signify a significant change in personnel, with newcomers including Matthew Parkinson, Ollie Pope, Dominic Sibley and Zac Crawley.

New Zealand have notably included skipper Kane Williamson, who has missed recent matches because of a hip injury, and will blood paceman Lockie Ferguson, who was one of the leading players at the ODI World Cup.

The Kiwis’ Test record in their past two series is strong, having easily defeated Bangladesh 2-0 prior to the World Cup, and defeating the struggling Sri Lanka 1-0 in the New Zealand summer.

This Test will have the keen interest of the cricket world, given the new names in the England line-up, which will certainly include Jofra Archer, who was menacing after debuting during the Ashes.

Continue reading for our New Zealand vs England predictions and odds update for the 1st of two Test match series being played in New Zealand.

NZ vs ENG odds

The first Test odds for England and New Zealand have been released and it’s almost an even money game. New Zealand are paying $2.30 for the victory, while England’s odds are $2.34. The draw has been priced at $5.55, which we think is about right, given the weather forecast is indicating sunny conditions.

New Zealand vs England best bets

As always when we preview cricket matches, we have provided our best bets, and we think the captains might fire for England and New Zealand.

Joe Root to top score in England first innings

Root was stoic at times throughout the Ashes, but he was heavily outshone by former Aussie captain Steve Smith. Root will be keen to lead from the front with some runs during this series and he’s paying $3.80 to top score in England’s first innings.

Kane Williamson to top-score in NZ first innings

The Kiwi skipper is paying $3.00 to top-score in New Zealand’s first innings, which looks to be good value, given he has been resting himself for this match. Williamson when in-form has one of the best techniques in world cricket and we can’t wait for his battle with Archer.

New Zealand vs England prediction

We seriously can’t wait for England v New Zealand to begin, and the betting mirrors our feelings that it will be a close one. WilliamHill.com has installed New Zealand at $2.30, while England have been priced at $2.34. We are predicting New Zealand to win this clash, largely because of their skipper Kane Williamson, and his fellow batsmen, who look to be a bit more Test-ready than their English counterparts. One thing is for sure, the future of England cricket will be on display.

How to bet on New Zealand v England

New Zealand vs England betting is available at all leading online betting sites, with cricket a mainstay at bookmaker sites. If you’re based out of England you will have to bet with a licensed UK bookmaker, while our recommended Kiwi betting sites will also have plenty of odds for this match.

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