Australia claimed a commanding victory in the first Test and will look to wrap up a 2-0 series lead as their tour of New Zealand heads to Christchurch for the 2nd Test. Check out our full preview and betting tips for the clash below.Â
New Zealand vs Australia 2nd Test Betting Tips
Christchurch, Friday 8th March, 9.00am (AEDT)
Cameron Green was named man of the match after a brilliant first innings hundred set up the game for the Australians. The new No.4 smashed 174* to lead the Aussies to a commanding first innings score of 383. Nathan Lyon was then the star with the ball, taking 10 wickets for the match as Australia bowled out the Kiwis for 179 and 196.Â
New ZealandÂ
The New Zealand bowling attack was rock solid throughout the 1st Test with the exception of the first session on day two when they let Cameron Green and Josh Hazlewood get away from them. Their four pronged pace attack of O’Rourke, Henry, Southee and all-rounder Kuggeleijn all had their moments during the match and I think they will all likely remain in the side.Â
With usual opener Devon Conway ruled out for the 2nd Test, the batting unit should look largely the same despite looking many of the Kiwis key players looking a little out of form. Will Young will get another crack at the top of the order while young superstar Rachin Ravindra will be keen to impress against the top Test side in the world.Â
Predicted New Zealand XI: Tom Latham, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell, Glenn Phillips, Scott Kuggeleijn, Matt Henry, Tim Southee, Will O’Rourke
Australia
After Cameron Green cemented his place in the Australian top four with a man of the match performance in the 1st Test, there is now little contention over selection within the Australian Test setup.Â
Steve Smith hasn’t quite looked at home at the top of the order but should continue to get ample opportunity, as should Marnus Labuschagne, who is terribly out of form at the moment but has the runs on the board to retain his spot for now.Â
The only question mark surrounds the potential resting of one of the fast bowlers. Scott Boland has been waiting in the wings all summer as a part of the squad and probably deserves a crack on what should be a classic New Zealand green top.Â
Predicted Australia XI: Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland, Josh Hazlewood
Betting Tips
I tipped them to win the 1st Test and I’m sticking with the Kiwis here. I think they showed some good signs in Wellington, particularly in their 2nd bowling innings and if they can just get some runs out of the No.1 Test batsman in the world in Kane Williamson, then I think they are a great chance to win this Test.Â
