nztestmatchCouch Critic previews the first test match between New Zealand and West Indies including best bets from @Olimp_SA

 

 

 

 

 

NEW ZEALAND vs WEST INDIES 1st Test, Hamilton. Thursday 03 Dec @ 00:01

 

In the early hours of Thursday morning the Black Caps and the Islanders will shift their focus from the shortest format of the game to the longest as the first of two tests between these sides gets underway in Hamilton. Here is how I see things going down in this red-ball return to action.

 

Setting the Scene

 

West Indies are notoriously flashy and extravagant in their approach to the game – often the reason why they perform better in the shorter versions. The visitors were however unable to reach their best levels in the two opening T20 matches. The likes of Kraigg Brathwaite, Darren Bravo and Kemar Roach have all been focussing on the real deal and will come into the red-ball series raring to go.

 

New Zealand will miss BJ Watling and Colin de Grandhomme. Will Young and Tom Blundell come into the team whilst Kane Williamson is also back for this main event. The seam trio of Southee, Boult and Wagner will remain the biggest weapon for the home side.

A year ago Hamilton treated the batsmen well with Joe Root chalking up a double ton. Tom Latham, Williamson, Ross Taylor and Rory Burns all added centuries in a drawn test. The weather forecast suggests some cloud and dampness around so it could prove crucial to use the new ball and conditions well early doors.

 

How I see it Playing Out

 

The Kiwis are a solid test outfit and they have the chance to move back to the sharp end of the Test Championship log if they can execute a whitewash in the two-test series. Whilst New Zealand have four batsmen in the top 20 of the ICC Test Rankings the Windies have zero. The visitors look better on the bowling front but still not up to the standards of their hosts who have Wagner, Southee and Boult all in the bowling Top 10. This West Indian batting line-up are likely to have a tough time against those three Kiwi quicks.

 

Betolimp Best Bets

 

Top West Indies 1st Innings Bowler – Jason Holder @ 4.33 (Best Bet)

The Windies captain will once again have plenty on his plate in this series. The big man leads the rankings for his country on all three the ICC lists (batting, bowling and as all-rounder). Crucially the skip is the fifth ranked Test Bowler in the world at present and I expect him to continue having success in New Zealand during this tour.

 

Batsman to score a fifty in the match K Brathwaite – YES @ 2.37

Kraigg Brathwaite comes into this first test in superb form after the warm-ups. Conditions are likely to be tough at the start of the innings but in two opportunities the opener is likely to get a fifty to his name in my opinion.

 

Top NZ 1st Innings Batsman – T Blundell @ 7.50

Blundell gets a game in the absence of Watling. He should come in at number 6 (after the new ball has done its tricks) and will be hungry to use his opportunity.

 

Man of the Match – T Southee @ 12.00

Southee has 46 test wickets in Hamilton at an average of just over 22. Boult and Wagner might take an innings or two to get back to their best levels whilst the new ball swing bowler should hit the ground running after being involved in the 20-over stuff. If conditions suit him early on he could really carve his way through the visitors’ top order and put himself firmly in line for Man of the Match honours.

 

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

 

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