New Zealand v Australia cricket betting tips & odds | First Test

New Zealand v Australia: First Test preview

Test cricket returns this Thursday as the two-match series between New Zealand and Australia kicks off at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.

After facing an undermanned South Africa just two weeks ago, the stakes are much higher for the Black Caps as they host the top-ranked Test side on their own deck.

After suffering a thumb injury in the T20 series last weekend, there are doubts around whether opener Devon Conway will be fit to partner Tom Latham up the top of the order for the Kiwis, with Will Young looming as a likely replacement.

Former skipper Kane Williamson is expected to come in at three, young all-rounder Rachin Ravindra takes his spot at number four, and Daryl Mitchell is set to return from a foot injury that ruled him out of the South Africa series.

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With Tom Blundell taking the gloves, the all-round pair of Glenn Phillips and Mitchell Santner make up the New Zealand batting line-up.

After the shock retirement of Neil Wagner on Tuesday, the experienced pace pair of Tim Southee and Matt Henry are set for selection alongside youngster William O’Rourke, who took a record-breaking 9-93 on debut two weeks ago.

The Australians are expected to remain unchanged despite losing to the West Indies in their last Test match.

Steve Smith continues to partner Usman Khawaja at the top of the order, while Marnus Labuschagne will be keen to bounce back after a lean summer with the bat.

All-rounder Cameron Green is set for another opportunity batting at number four, with the high-powered pair of Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh behind him and wicketkeeper Alex Carey slotting in at seven.

As per usual, the Aussies are set to name their ever-consistent bowling quartet of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon.

New Zealand v Australia best bets & odds

New Zealand v Australia: First Test predictions

In a critical series for the World Test Championship standings, the Black Caps are looking for their first home win over the Aussies since 1993. The strength of the hosts clearly sits in their batting line-up, with the availability of Conway set to play a massive part. However, even with NZ at full strength, Australia should be too strong across the park, and they come in as rightful favourites at -156.25 with Unibet.

Making his return to the side, Daryl Mitchell shapes as the player to watch for New Zealand as he plays against Australia for the first time. Since making his debut in 2019, the 32-year-old has barely missed a beat, averaging 53.46 while climbing up to number three in the world Test rankings. With a lot of the expectation falling on Kane Williamson, look for Mitchell to quietly get into his work and lead New Zealand with the bat at +350 with top cricket bookmakers.

Up the top of the order for Australia, look for Usman Khawaja to continue his stellar run with the bat. The ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year for 2023, Khawaja also boasts an incredible average of 69.66 in New Zealand. With many changes in the batting order around him, back Khawaja to spend time at the crease and top the scoring for Australia at +400 with PlayUp.

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