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England vs New Zealand 2nd Test
English fans will be delighted at the manner in which the 1st test swung in such a decisive manner for the home side on Day 3.
Some shrewd bowling by Anderson, Potts and Broad induced a mini collapse from the New Zealand batsmen, just as it looked likely NZ would set a target of 400 plus. And despite a few standard wobbles by England, 69/4 at one stage, they powered home once Root and Stokes had their eye in.
We move onto Nottingham next and play starts Friday morning.
Trent Bridge cricket ground is next door to the City Ground, home of Nottingham Forest, recently promoted to the Premiership. The venue is the world’s third oldest.
The last test match to be held at the Trent Bridge was between England and India August 2021, which ended in a draw. It was severely hampered by rain, particularly on the last day. The forecast is better this year and with the track prone to swing it’s the bowlers who’ll start the match with their tales up.
Change of Guard
The new England structure certainly seem to have had a positive effect so far, although it’s early days and one doesn’t want to jump to conclusions. England’s bowlers, in particular Anderson and Broad, were excellent whilst Potts had a very positive debut.
Background Check
With the first test out of the way, we can at least be certain that England’s strike bowlers are in fair form as there was no lack of tenacity and accuracy but it may be a little harder should the wicket at Trent Bridge be more conducive to batting. Back up bowlers Stokes and Parkinson were not as threatening and that could be a real problem for England.
England’s batting has improved but there were clear signs they haven’t quite blown away the cobwebs and dramatic collapses are still a very real threat. Alex Lees managed two starts before losing his wicket while Crawley was the same. However, it really was left to Root (115 not out) and Stokes (54 off 110) to steer the ship to success.
New Zealand’s first innings started woefully and a number of top batsmen were unable to survive the England quicks. Devon Conway was a big disappointment while Kane Williamson’s poor form continues.
The bowlers, Southee and Boult, were excellent in helping to dismiss England for 141 and keep their side in the hunt in the first innings but were unable to mount the same sort of assault in England’s second.
More Thoughts – England vs New Zealand 2nd Test
The weather forecasts can be quite unpredictable and it’s wise to do your own research on several websites to obtain a broader view. At this stage, Friday and Saturday appear fine with no rain, whilst the remaining three days have a 20-40% chance depending which site you look at.
Betting Angle – England vs New Zealand 2nd Test
In reviewing the 1st Test match, I do believe it was closer than the final result suggests.
I’m still clinging onto my belief that England are very vulnerable, particularly their top order batsmen, whilst any injury to Broad or Anderson could prove catastrophic.
The Black Caps are not without their own issues, specifically their top 3 batsmen. However, I’m inclined to believe they’ll come on strongly, as opposed to their English counterparts, with that last run under their belts.
The Black Caps have to get something out of this test match and I believe they have the arsenal to do just that.
My main bet of 4 Units will be NZ Draw No Bet @ 6/5.
Then, 0.5 Units on the following markets; Man of the Match Devon Conway 14/1, Tim Southee 10/1 and Tom Latham at 14/1.
Follow me on Twitter @BrenHbetsnet for all of my tips and bets.
Bet on rugby at www.hollywoodbets.co.uk or www.hollywoodbets.ie
England vs New Zealand 2nd Test Preview by Patcchy O’Connell
