India vs NZ cricket betting tips & odds – 1st Test, Kanpur

Less than two weeks ago they were playing in a T20 World Cup final, but now New Zealand must get their minds set for the longer format as they head to Kanpur for the first of two Test matches against India.

It was not all that surprising to see the Black Caps lose all three of their T20I matches over the past week. The first game of the series against India came only a few days after NZ’s disappointing loss to Australia, while the hosts had something to prove after failing to reach the knockout stage of the World Cup.

It could be a similar story when they switch to the red ball in Kanpur. New Zealand defeated India in the inaugural World Test Championship final back in June, so you can bet that Virat Kohli and co. will be determined to set things right with a dominant series victory at home.

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The NZ squad is missing some key personnel. Trent Boult and Colin de Grandhomme have both opted out of the tour, while Devon Conway was forced to withdraw after breaking his hand during the T20 World Cup. In come two spinners at opposite ends of their respective careers, with Mumbai-born Ajaz Patel set for a Test debut and the well-travelled Will Somerville also in the mix.

India, too, have gone with a different-looking side to the one that lost to the Kiwis at Southampton six months ago. Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Risabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami are all out for the opening Test, meaning Ajinkya Rahane will captain the side and the likes of Shreyas Iyer, Srikar Bharat and Prasidh Krishna could all make their debut.

Given India’s impressive record in home series, it is no surprise to see the top cricket betting sites install them as -204.08 favourites to win the first Test. For those who fancy an upset, the New Zealanders are offering plenty of value at +450.

India vs NZ 1st Test betting predictions

New Zealand top batsman: Kane Williamson

Who else? New Zealand’s batters have struggled in the subcontinent in the past, and Kane Williamson is no exception; he averages only 35.46 in India, which is a fair way short of his 53.95 career mark. Yet even that ordinary record in India puts the Kiwi captain well ahead of the other established bats in the team, such as Tom Latham (32.33), Ross Taylor (25.46) and Henry Nicholls (12.50). If NZ are to be competitive in this series, the skipper will have to fire.

Match result: India

Even without so many of their frontline players, it is hard to see India losing to a New Zealand outfit that is also well short of full strength. The depth of talent – especially batters – in the subcontinent these days is staggering, as highlighted by the fact that 26-year-old Shreyas Iyer has made just shy of 4,600 first-class runs at 52.18 and is yet to play any Test cricket. Load up on the home side.