nztestmatchCouch Critic previews the second test match between England and New Zealand including his best bets with @Olimp_SA

 

 

 

 

 

ENGLAND VS NEW ZEALAND 2nd Test, Birmingham. Thursday 10 Jun @ 12:00

 

As expected the Kiwis pushed the Poms all the way in the first test and were the better side for the majority of the contest. They will look to go one better and pick up the victory at Edgbaston when the second test starts on Thursday.

 

Setting the Scene

 

South African expat, Devon Conway stole the headlines with a double ton on debut for the Black Caps. The New Zealanders lacked some bite in their attack but this should be rectified if Trent Boult manages it back onto the pitch for the second test. The visitors will also hope to see Kane Williamson hit his straps as its crucial for their Test Championship title chances that the skip goes into the India test in his best form – spanking cover drives to the boundary with an air of disdain.

 

The English would have been happy with the contributions of their openers between the two innings. Apart from that a weakened home side lacked strike power with the ball and they will rely on Joe Root to turn sparkling starts into big match-winning knocks if they are to dominate opponents, whilst relying less on his arm-ball-only spin capabilities.

 

How I see it playing out

 

The hosts have a good record at Edgbaston but they will find it tough going against a Black Caps unit operating at a very high level at present. England require a spin option to give them better balance with the ball but if Boult makes it onto the green stuff I still give the visitors the edge again in this clash.

 

Betolimp Best Bets

 

Top England 1st Innings Batsman – Ollie Pope @ 7.00

Pope didn’t kick on but showed some good signs. The openers took turns producing but I just can’t have them in tough English conditions having to survive the devilish Duke ball.

 

Top New Zealand 1st Innings Batsman – BJ Watling @ 12.00

Conway relegated his team mates to the non-required heap last time out but I will stick with Watling one last time in case of a top order collapse by the Kiwis.

 

Man of the Match – Dom Bess @ 26.00

Yes, I give the visitors a solid chance of victory but should the Poms be able to turn things around it will surely be down to exactly that – TURN. Bess offers something with the bat lower down and Moeen Ali was able to bag seven sticks in the last test held at this venue so the English offie should be in the mix here.

 

Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change

 

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