Couch Critic previews the first test match between England and New Zealand including his best bets with @Olimp_SA
ENGLAND VS NEW ZEALAND 1st Test, London. Wednesday 02 Jun @ 12:00
If you go down to Lords on Wednesday you’ll be in for a big surprise… Not only will there be cricket on show but it’s the red ball version and it’s two of the top test nations in the world who will be doing battle on the hallowed grounds.
Setting the Scene
India narrowly pipped the Kiwi’s to the number one spot in the ICC Test rankings but the runners-up have organised a very thorough dress-rehearsal with two test to be played against the English before they meet India to determine the Test Championship trophy winners.
England have opted to evaluate their test depth yet again. Archer, Woakes, Ali, Bess, Bairstow, Stokes and Buttler will all be watching from the sidelines. The visitors should see this as a golden opportunity to have a good hit-out against a strong opponent (but not too strong) in the same conditions they will get on 18 June for their big final.
How I see it playing out
The Poms still have Leach, Anderson and Broad at their disposal but the balance of the side will look a bit different without Woakes, Ali and/or Bess. The gate remains open for the young’uns Pope, Lawrence and Crawley to try and cement a long future for the men with he Lions on their chests. It certainly won’t be a weak English outfit taking to the field on Wednesday but this New Zealand side know how to play above their potential.
Boult will be missed for the first test but this band of scrappers will pull together and look to topple the home side on holy ground. I give the visitors a solid chance of earning a tip of the cap, a bow of the head and a polite clap of respect from the Members at the conclusion of this one.
Betolimp Best Bets
To win the test – New Zealand @ 3.00
The hosts are missing a few familiar faces. I will back the team who so nearly topped the Test Championships to get the “W”.
Top England 1st Innings Batsman – Dan Lawrence @ 7.50
He should come in at five or six when the new ball has been seen off. I have seen enough of him to respect his qualities and give the young man a decent shot at top scoring if Root fails to go big.
Top New Zealand 1st Innings Batsman – BJ Watling @ 11.00
I might be favouring the sentimental pick here but with retirement on the horizon the fighter will look to end on a high.
Man of the Match – Neil Wagner @ 15.00
All the attention is usually on Southee and Boult but for this test amidst uncertain times I will keep with the theme of backing a fighter. I think NZ could catch the Poms a touch cold and who better to lead the charge than the feisty Saffa-Kiwi!
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change
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