New Zealand vs Australia predictions and cricket betting tips

New Zealand vs Australia predictions

New Zealand and Australia open a two-match Test series at Wellington's Basin Reserve on Wednesday (10pm, TNT Sports 1).

Australia geared up for the Test match by completing a 3-0 whitewash in the T20 series, inspired by Tim David's heroics in the first T20I which set the tone for the three-match series. Ta.

Pat Cummins is currently leading his team in a red-ball game against the Black Caps overseas for the first time since 2016. Australia has an overwhelming record against New Zealand, winning 10 of the past 13 series (including three at the bounce).

As for Tests, Australia have won six consecutive games against their Antipodean rivals, so the hosts will have to step up their game to clinch the trans-Tasman trophy.

New Zealand are fresh off a 2-0 win over South Africa, although Tim Southea's side faced a weakened Proteas line-up.

Cummins' side will be looking to bounce back from their shock defeat to West Indies in their last Test outing, which drew the series 1-1.

New Zealand go into the series at the top of the World Test Championship, but cricket betting sites say Australia are likely to start with a win in Wellington.

Will Smith be the opening pitcher?

Steve Smith has made the strange decision to move from number four in the batting order to start alongside Usman Khawaja against West Indies.

Having failed to impress in two out of four innings, Australia finally shone with an unbeaten 91 in the second Test match, although they fell just short of their winning target.

The 34-year-old is at a strange time in his career, as he appears to have lost the chance to play in the World T20s, while now trying to carve out a new role in Test matches.

For such a skilled player, Smith is perhaps showing he still has something to prove. Facing Tim Southee, Matt Henry and rising star William O'Rourke is a challenge he may not enjoy, even if he did well against New Zealand.

Smith averages 58.23 balls with two centuries and 50s, most notably scoring over 50 in three innings in New Zealand. Those knocks came in 2016, when he was at the peak of his powers, and Smith is not quite the same player he was then.

The betting site has set Smith's total match runs in the first Test at 93.5, with the 34-year-old taking the under to make a shaky start against the Black Caps at odds of 5/6. I predict that. Bet 365.

New Zealand vs Australia Tip 1: Steve Smith runs under 93.5 – 5/6 bet365

o'rourke makes an impact

New Zealand were dealt a huge blow when Kyle Jamison was ruled out for up to a year with a stress fracture in his back.

With Trent Boult unavailable due to lack of red-ball action and Neil Wagner announcing his retirement from international cricket, pace bowling options are scarce for Southee and his team.

While Southie remains consistent, Henry's development is key to easing the pressure on the captain without Boult. However, O'Rourke's performance against South Africa was eye-catching and all the more important for New Zealand's future.

Although his opponent was a second-tier batsman from the Proteas, O'Rourke dominated the ball with Hamilton. He took nine wickets, including five fours, in two innings on his Test match debut.

The 22-year-old caused problems for South Africa, using his 6ft 5in frame to create momentum off the pitch. These skills will be vital against Australia as he looks to build on his impressive performance in his first cap.

After looking at betting apps, we back him to take over 3 wickets in his first innings at 6/5 on Betway.

New Zealand vs Australia Tip 2: William O’Rourke takes 3 or more wickets in his first innings – 6/5 Betway

There is no New Zealand centurion.

Kane Williamson looked intimidating with the bat during New Zealand's win over South Africa.

The 33-year-old took advantage of a weakened Proteas bowling unit to score his third century in four innings, extending his career to 32 Test match hundreds. He and Smith have the most centuries of any active player, with Joe Root a close second with 31.

Williamson was the Blackcaps' main batsman, but his success against Australia was short-lived. Compared to his career average of 55.90 runs, Williamson's run time at the crease against Australia drops to 41.11 runs.

He has scored over 50 only once in his last 11 innings with Cummins and others, but he has had 200 and 250 in those knocks.

That is a concern for New Zealand, who could be without Devon Conway for the first Test. Other than Williamson and Conway, there aren't many proven performers who can handle the quality of Australia's experienced attack.

As a result, Unibet predicts that no New Zealand batsman will score a century at Basin Reserve at odds of 13/10.

New Zealand vs Australia Tip 3: New Zealand century not scored – 13/10 Unibet

How to get free bets in cricket betting

The gambling site offers new customers free bets that can be used for cricket betting.

TalkSPORT BET is one of the UK's newest operators and is offering new customers a £30 free bet.

All you have to do is create an account, opt-in to the welcome offer, deposit £10 via debit card or Apple Pay, and bet £10 on your selection of sports with even or better odds. .

Once your qualifying bet is settled you will receive a £30 free bet to use at the sportsbook.

Please read all talkSPORT BET welcome offer terms and conditions before signing up. Please gamble responsibly on all bets.