ENGLAND v NEW ZEALAND: Our cricket tipster The Edge previews Wednesday’s 1st Test between England v New Zealand with a recommended BETDAQ bet.

MATCH OVERVIEW:

After being starved of top class International cricket for so long, we are back with a bang on Wednesday with the first Test of the English summer with New Zealand coming to town to take on England. New Zealand are here for the World Test Championship against India in a couple of weeks, and you have to say what better preparation than taking on England in their own back yard. If they can deal with the England bowlers, they can deal with anything!

We have had a very long break in the cricket calendar, which is quite unusual these days, with the BCCI having to call off the IPL in India with the widespread Covid19 crisis in the country. That has meant a longer run in time for the players to adjust to Test cricket, and that will actually benefit England, New Zealand and India in the World Test Championship in a few weeks. It’s always difficult going from T20 to Tests, and we could see a more cautious approach from both these sides. Granted, they usually don’t hang around and we could still see some pretty low scores.

We had great news from the UK Government ahead the Edgbaston Test that we can have 70% capacity which is fantastic and we should have a great atmosphere there, but this Test can only have 25% capacity – which is around 7,500 at Lord’s. There has been a talking point in the press about the New Zealand workload with three quick Tests, but Time Southee has said they have had plenty of time to prepare and fitness shouldn’t be an issue. I would tend to agree, like I said you won’t get a better prep for the World Test Championship than playing England in England.

Naturally, England have a number of selection issues. Their side is incredibly strong these days, and they have a long summer ahead. Don’t be surprised to see a few changes to their usual XI. The idea of playing needing a rest now is a bit silly in my opinion, especially after the IPL was called off. Everyone should be ready to go. We should have an excellent Test.

WEATHER AND PITCH WATCH:

It’s brilliant to start the England summer at Lord’s. The long range forecast looks pretty good too, but obviously that can easily change between now and the game time, and over the course of the five days. It will be fascinating to see what colour the pitch is on the first day – do we have a green seamer or a flat wicket? I wouldn’t be keen to any a majorly strong opinion on conditions before seeing the wicket at Lord’s because a lot depends on the pitch as well as overhead conditions of course. Nevertheless, I would be surprised to see a draw given the bowling talent on display and it’s no surprise to see the draw as big as 5.4 on BETDAQ Betting Exchange.

RECOMMENDED BET:

This should be an excellent Test. I have to say England look a little short at odds on. Anderson and Broad are in the squad and they are likely to start the game too, they have no IPL travel and are Test only players these days – there seems no reason to rest them – although you never quite know with England! Their batting looks a little light on paper and a lot depends on Joe Root. New Zealand should be fully focused on the task at hand with the World Test Championship coming up, and England can sometimes start series’ very slowly. I think they look weak in the batting department on paper, and the New Zealand will understand conditions quite well too. I’m happy to have a small bet on New Zealand at 3.2.

The Edge Says:
One point win New Zealand to beat England at 3.2 with BETDAQ Betting Exchange

View the market here -> http://bit.ly/BDQEngNew1st

IN-RUNNING STRATEGY:

As I said above, the England batting looks a little light on paper. I would be keen to be against them aside from Joe Root – even though his wicket will be worth the most to the market. With the in-running strategy at Lord’s it’s always best to keep it simple. The wicket will clearly play a part, however it’s always best to look up rather than down at Lord’s unless the wicket is very green. With the sun out, you want to look for trades on the batting side and with cloud cover you want to be on the bowling side.

The New Zealand attack is very talented, and they will know exactly what to do in these conditions too. Their home conditions are as close to England as you’ll get, and this Test might come down to who has to better batting conditions when it’s their turn to bat. If you focus on the overhead conditions, you won’t go far wrong at Lord’s.