New Zealand rank outsiders for the first Test and series
New Zealand are rank outsiders for the first Test and the series
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The first home international action of the Australian summer sees the visit of New Zealand for a brief two-Test series. The last time the teams met on Australian soil it resulted in one of the most even contests Australia have had on home soil in recent years (a 0-0 draw in 2001-02), although this doesn't seem to be reflected in the betting: New Zealand are rank outsiders for the first Test and the series. Stephen Fleming's side are a distant 16/1 bet to win the series, with Australia hot 1/5 favourites. A drawn series is 4/1.
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In the Brisbane Test betting, New Zealand are marginally more fancied at 10/1, with Australia still way in front at 2/5. The draw is 23/10.
Series - Correct Score
The series correct score market has a 2-0 win for Australia as evens favourite. A similar result in New Zealand's favour is a highly unlikely 66/1. A 0-0 "bore-draw" is 9/1 narrowly behind a 1-1 draw at 8/1 - certainly worth a look. A 1-0 win to the Kiwis is 18/1.
Series - Top Team Batsman
The usual suspects dominate the top series team batsman markets. Stephen Fleming is 3/1, Nathan Astle and Mark Richardson 4/1, Scott Styris and Mathew Sinclair 5/1. Brendon McCullum and Jacob Oram are both 12/1, and could be worth considering if you feel that the top-order New Zealand batsmen could be vulnerable to the Australian pace attack.
For Australia, Matthew Hayden is 5/2, just ahead of the skipper Ricky Ponting at 3/1. Damien Martyn, Man of the Series in Australia's recent win in India, is 4/1, and Adam Gilchrist worth considering at 17/2.
Series - Top Team Bowler
In the top series team bowler market, Daniel Vettori is 5/2 to take most Australian wickets. Other noteworthy prices are Jacob Oram at 9/2, and the medium-pacer Scott Styris at 14/1.
In spite of a relatively unsuccessful tour of India - and a recently broken thumb that might restrict his flipper - Shane Warne is 2/1 favourite to dismiss most New Zealand batsmen. Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie are narrowly behind Warne in the market, at 11/4. Michael Kasprovicz offers good value at 9/2.
First Test - Man of the Match
In spite of his relatively poor showing in India, Matthew Hayden is installed as 7/1 favourite to win the Man of the Match market. Ricky Ponting is 8/1 while Damien Martyn is 12/1 to repeat his Indian heroics. The favourite New Zealand batsman is Stephen Fleming at 10/1, with Nathan Astle hot on his heels at 11/1. Jacob Oram can be matchwinning with bat and ball at 14/1, and Daniel Vettori is certainly worth considering at 16/1.
First Test - Player Performances
Punters can go higher or lower than a certain points score based on fantasy-style points. With 1 point per run, 20 per wicket and 10 per catch, these markets can keep punters interested throughout the match. Two standout bets are Darren Lehmann - choose above or below 79 at 5/6 - or Adam Gilchrist, above or below 111 at 5/6.
Other Australia v New Zealand markets
Other current cricket betting
Please note that odds are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.
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