New Zealand v England: Root’s men can get back on track
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England will play their first Test match since the Ashes when they take on New Zealand in Auckland.
The day-night Test begins on Thursday, and sees Joe Root’s men priced up at 6/5. The Black Caps are 7/4 with the draw available at 11/4.
England have a good record against the Kiwis. They’re unbeaten in the last seven Test series and haven’t lost a full Series in New Zealand since 1984.
The Tour has gone well so far. The T20 series ended 1-1, before England won the One Day contests 3-2.
It’s been a welcome pick-me-up since that 4-0 drubbing to Australia in the Ashes.
The big plus for Root now though, is that Ben Stokes is back and available.
The all-rounder was sorely missed Down Under, but the 26-year-old is carrying a back injury which may impact his return.
Nevertheless, it’s 8/1 Stokes makes his Test comeback by being named Man of the Match.
Elsewhere Root’s side is largely unchanged from the one which struggled in Australia.
That means James Anderson leads the attack. The Yorkshire legend is 7/1 for Man of the Match and 9/4 to be England’s top 1st innings wicket-taker.
Root is 11/4 favourite to be England’s highest runscorer in the 1st innings. Former captain Alastair Cook is 7/2, while James Vince and Mark Stoneman are each 9/2.
As for the hosts, Kane Williamson is 5/2 favourite to hit the most runs in their opening innings.
Trent Boult leads the betting at 2/1 to do the most damage to England with the ball.
All Odds and Markets correct as of date of publication
