Free £100 per wicket spread bet on England v New Zealand

With Captain Michael Vaughan ruled out of the first test the pressure is on Marcus Trescothick to continue England's recent Test form by crushing New Zealand on home soil. He won't be expecting a stroll in the sun though, as the visitors have strung together a six match unbeaten Test run on the road, a record that stretches back to May 2002.

Added to this, the Kiwis surprised everyone when they last played a Test Series on these shores, back in 1999. After defeat in the first Test, they bounced back to claim a 2-1 victory. Are they set to give England further headaches over the coming weeks?

Men to watch
For England - Steve Harmison: The Durham paceman had a sensational tour of the West Indies, taking 23 wickets in four Tests series and England will once again look to him to lead their attack.

For New Zealand - Chris Cairns: The New Zealand all-rounder, who has taken over 200 wickets and has averaged over 33 with the bat during his distinguished career, hangs up his Test boots after this Series and will be looking to finish with a flourish.

Wise words
When asked about the Series, Sporting Index's Senior Cricket Trader said that "Although early-season pitches in England tend a bowler's paradise, the recent good weather and the loss of New Zealand's fastest bowler, Shane Bond, has seen optimistic punters buying English runs and we fancy our boys to wrap this one up at Lords".

Free £100 spread bet or £100 cashback
Sporting Index are currently offering a very generous free £100 per wicket spread bet for all new customers. If that doesn't appeal, then you can always go for the £100 cashback, also available to everyone who opens an account and places just ten bets.