New Zealand vs Australia second Test: Tips and suggested bets

New Zealand threatened to make a game of the first Test but ultimately fell apart when it really mattered like so many times before.

That leaves the Black Caps still hunting a first home Test win over Australia in the 21st century.

Earlier this week Australia captain Pat Cummins revealed the tourists will sport an unchanged starting XI for the second Test in Christchurch, which gets underway on Friday.

New Zealand have won six of their last seven Tests at Hagley Oval but their most recent loss came against a South Africa side that played a similar style of game to the current Australian team.

Australia have played just one Test at Hagley Oval in 2016 and won that contest.

While New Zealand will wait until the toss to name their full XI Black Caps captain Tim Southee has already indicated that pace bowler Ben Sears will debut in Christchurch.

 

New Zealand vs Australia second Test: Suggested bets

The hosts have struggled to step up to the challenge posed by Australia's fierce pace attack which has left their batting in disarray.

However, one man has managed to show his grit through the situation. Glenn Phillips looks to be the gutsiest of the New Zealand batters and might finish as their top run-getter.

As for the bowlers, New Zealand's standout man all summer long has been Matt Henry. Henry has been dialled in when it comes to accuracy and bowled at a decent clip. He will once again pose a major threat to the Australian batting lineup.

Speaking of that batting lineup, Cameron Green's inclusion has once again taken Australia up another level in terms of what they can put out on the park in the format.

Green can take advantage of the softening ball or even pull Australia out of the fire when they lose early wickets. Green looks set to top score for Australia yet again.

In Hagley oval conditions, Josh Hazlewood might just be the Australian bowler to watch.

He won't need the pace and bounce that Cummins thrives on or the movement through the air that makes Mitchell Starc so lethal. In the second innings spinner Nathan Lyon will also be a factor.

 

Predictions

Josh Hazlewood to lead wicket-takers for Australia in the first innings

Cameron Green to top-score for Australia

Glenn Phillips to end the match as New Zealand's top runscorer in the series

Matt Henry to be the pick of the Black Caps bowlers