New Zealand vs West Indies Preview

New Zealand may not have played a Test match since March, but will be itching for a positive result in a very winnable two-match series against the touring West Indians. The West Indies meanwhile, saw their reputation boosted despite a 2-1 defeat to England over the Summer. A series England were expected to dominate, the Windies more than held their own, even winning the second Test match; a match they were priced at 25/1 to win. They built on that with a 1-0 series win over Zimbabwe last month, so head to Wellington in buoyant mood. As we compare odds on cricket and in particular the first Test between New Zealand and West Indies, it will be interesting to see if the visitors can continue their positive form and clinch a series lead.

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New Zealand vs West Indies Prediction

As we look at the opening Test betting tips in more detail, our betting tips suggest that New Zealand will halt the momentum of the touring West Indians and get back into the swing of Test cricket with victory at the Basin Reserve. New Zealand sit fourth in the current ICC Test rankings some 22 points clear of their opponents who are sitting in eighth and will be confident of living up to that superior ranking in this two-match Test series. The tourists though gave a good account of themselves in the series with England and will again be confident of exceeding their ranking and proving a solid opponent to a higher ranked side.

New Zealand vs West Indies Betting Tips

The hosts may have some ring rust when it comes to the longest form of the game, having not played since March, but will have confidence in their own ability to get the job done and grab a series lead. They have one of the leading batsmen in world cricket in Kane Williamson and in Trent Boult they have a fast bowler who can cause real problems. They do have to contend with some big absentees through injury, with Tim Southee and BJ Watling both set to miss out for the Black Caps. George Worker, Lockie Ferguson and uncapped wicketkeeper Tom Blundell have all been added to the squad as cover for the missing veterans.

As mentioned previously, the West Indians had a productive tour of England over the summer and despite losing the series 2-1, they left with their heads held high over a number of brilliant individual performances. One particular standout was Shai Hope, whose incredible century in the second Test match set up an unlikely victory for the tourists. In an era where limited overs cricket seems to be a priority for Caribbean cricketers, Hope has shown the benefits of a solid technique and resilient attitude to the moving ball. With conditions at the Basin Reserve likely to closely mirror those of English conditions, Hope will likely prosper, especially given the confidence and form he is in.