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England vs New Zealand 3rd Test Preview

England vs New Zealand 3rd Test Preview by Patchy O'Connell

Photo Copyright Steve Haag Sports

England vs New Zealand 3rd Test Preview

In what has been an exciting series so far, we head further North for the final test match in Leeds, starting Thursday morning.

Unfortunately, my faith in the Black Caps has not yielded much in the form of profits but I’ve been able to alleviate my position into a respectable book with the help of in running betting.

The second test was a perfect example of this important product where I had staked a solid wager on New Zealand at 6/5 in the Draw No Bet market, but was thankfully able to take some 14/1 England in running, due to the huge first innings score posted by New Zealand.

With England now in an unassailable 2-0 lead, one could imagine England not taking this match too seriously, but it’s more likely that England will want the whitewash 3-0 result, given their current form.

Meanwhile, New Zealand will be desperate to avoid such a humiliation.

Venue: Headingly

Having hosted test matches since 1899 , Headingly has a capacity of just over 18,000 spectators with the last test match played in August 2021 between England and India. On that occasion, the hosts won by an innings and 76 runs after India batted first.

There are a few showers predicted during the 5 days but it’s unlikely to significantly a effect play.

Change of Guard

After a poor last 18 months, England have started their summer campaign in terrific style – much to the surprise of many pundits.

Whether it’s too early to call seems up for debate, but it does appear to suggest that the promotion of Ben Stokes to captain and Brendon McCullum to head coach is paying good dividends and has rejuvenated the squad who are playing in a much less pressurised environment and appear to be enjoying their cricket once again.

Background Check – England vs New Zealand 3rd Test

Despite the two previous test matches swinging from side-to-side in terms of momentum and betting, it’s been England who have been able to hold their nerves and record two five-wicket victories.

However, the visitors have had their chances and perhaps this break in between the 2nd and third 3rd tests – whilst England’s ODI squad was away in the Netherlands – would have done them some good.

More Thoughts – England vs New Zealand 3rd Test

Form wise, England’s batsmen showed good resilience in Nottingham with Pope, Root, Stokes and Bairstow all performing well.

England’s front-line bowlers are as fierce as ever and are receiving some good support, notably from Leach and Stokes.

One would might have thought that the Kiwi batsmen would be well on top in this series, but this hasn’t really materialised with the exception of Conway, Mitchell and Blundell.

There are just too many starts and not enough crucial runs and I’m expecting a little more from them in this last test.

Trent Boult has been the pick of the bowlers with the help of Southee and Bracewell. Overall, the bowling has appeared somewhat one paced, particularly when the ball gets a little worn.

Betting Angle – England vs New Zealand 3rd Test

I’ll be looking to take a position early on, before the toss, and once again (like a lab rat) will be going for the Kiwis.

The Draw No Bet option will be my aimer, with an intent to get involved in running to trim the risk if possible. So, to get going, my initial play is 5 Units on New Zealand @ 2/1 on Hollywoodbets.

I’ll also be spreading the chips a little wider in the other markets, 1/4 units on the following Man of the Match wagers:

– Ben Stokes @ 7/1
– Devon Conway @ 14/1
– Zak Crawley @ 16/1
– Tom Latham @ 16/1

Bet on cricket at www.hollywoodbets.co.uk or www.hollywoodbets.ie

England vs New Zealand 3rd Test Preview by Patchy O'Connell

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