James Buttler of the Cricket Badger Podcast looks ahead to the third New Zealand v England Test match and finds the best bets in Hamilton from Friday.
England have already sealed the series, leading 2-0. In the first test, I thought New Zealand actually outplayed England, but they dropped eight chances in the first innings. You can't go dropping your chances, including Harry Brook, who went on to score a big hundred. and still expect to compete in the match.
In the second test, though, England were the better of the two teams, and with the third test, a little bit of a dead rubber it will be interesting to see if England make any changes to their playing eleven. If they do, the chances are the top order will stay the same. It may be that Matthew Potts or Ollie Stone might come in, just to give one of the pace bowlers a rest.
England bidding for 3-0
England, are marginal favourites, but only marginal, and considering the series we've had so far, 19/20 on England to win, isn't the daftest bet in the world.
Interesting news in the week, that the new ICC rankings have seen Harry Brook leapfrog Joe Root into the number one position in the world in Test cricket. The two Yorkies, first and second, and Brook's been exceptional this year, as has Root. 1,460 runs for Joe Root in 2024, and that is reflected in the betting markets. Root, 100/30 to be the top England batter, Harry Brook is 7/2 and Ben Duckett 11-2.
Anybody that listens to my cricket previews knows I put up Joe Root because he's the best that England have. Harry Brook is narrowing that gap. Jacob Bethel, though, he's coming at number three and has played really nicely. 8/1 for Bethel is going to be my pick in that market. It's too big a price.
Kane Williamson is a wonderful player
I'll show a little bit more caution, though, in the Kiwi market. 4/1 on Kane Williamson. He is the man. If I had to choose somebody to bet for my life, it would be Kane Williamson.
He's solid, dependable, tremendous player. He's their Joe Root, and at 4/1, he's a standout price.
England's finds of 2024
The two finds of England's year have been Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse. Atkinson took a hat-trick in the second test. He's 5/2 to be top England bowler, and Carse is 11-4. Quite easily, just split your stakes between those two.
The man of the match market, I always like this. It gives you a slightly bigger price, but the way Carse has been going in this series, he's really inked himself into England's squad in the Ashes, injury-permitting, in 12 months' time. He's 14/1 to be the player of the match, it would be quite a fitting weight for him to end the series, because he has been astronomically good.
Some tremendous specials available including a Ben Stokes cracker
There are a few specials that I'll finish with.
Harry Brook and Kane Williamson, both to reach 50 in the first innings, 6-1. That is definitely worth a play with PaddyPower.
If you, like me, always back Joe Root, England to win the match, and Joe Root to be the player of the match is 20/1. That's more of a small stakes play, but it's a good, decent enough price.
A quite a tempting 10/1 on the England captain, Ben Stokes. For him to hit a 6, hit a 4, take a wicket, and take a catch in the first innings of the match is a standout 10/1.
James Third Test Picks
England to win again at 19/20
Brydon Carse to be the player of the match at 14/1
Kane Williamson at 4/1 to be the top New Zealand batter
Jacob Bethel 8/1 to be the top England batter
Harry Brook and Kane Williamson, both to score 50s in the first innings, 6/1
Ben Stokes to hit a 6, hit a 4, take a wicket, and a catch in the first innings, 10/1
England to win the match and Joe Root to be the player of the match, 20-1
However you bet, please always gamble responsibly, and enjoy the cricket. It might be through the night, but there's been some fantastic entertainment.
It starts 10pm UK time on Friday evening.