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Mixed martial arts England vs New Zealand Best Bet: 3rd Test, June 23
England vs New Zealand Third Test Best Bet
Friday, June 23rd, 11:00 (UK time)
After wrapping up their series victory against New Zealand in remarkable fashion, England travel to Headingley looking to maintain their 100% record under new coach Brendon McCullum.
Jonny Bairstow’s brutal century helped England chase down 299 in 50 overs at a canter, and although McCullum’s honeymoon period can’t last forever, it’s fun to watch while it lasts.
Considering England had won just one of their last 17 test matches prior to this summer, the dramatic turnaround under the ex-kiwi international has been nothing short of miraculous.
The fragile and nervous side which failed to reach 300 in all ten attempts down under has transformed into a confident, free-flowing and care-free batting line-up – with everyone bar Zak Crawley contributing in a significant manner so far.
Both Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad have wiped away their recent exodus from the West Indies touring party in a nonchalant manner, while Ben Foakes has silenced his doubters with a string of composed knocks and world-class keeping performances.
With conditions likely to be less favourable towards the bat at Headingley, and swing bowlers notoriously succeeding in the northeast, both Anderson and Trent Boult represent value in the first innings wickets market for their respective sides.
However, it is Anderson who I have fallen on due to his recent form at the Yorkshire ground, which saw him rip through India’s top order last summer in a devastating opening spell of 3-6.
Going back a little further Anderson’s figures in the first innings at this ground only get better, claiming 3-43 against Pakistan in 2018, 5-76 against the West Indies in 2017, and a further five-wicket haul against Sri Lanka in 2016.
The 39-year-old has also picked up first-innings figures of 4-66 and 3-62 so far this summer and has dominated the Kiwi openers, dismissing Will Young twice in the opening test, and Tom Latham twice in last week’s encounter at Trent Bridge.
At a ground that he loves, a pitch which generally suits swing bowlers, and competition only likely to come from his partner in crime Stuart Broad, Anderson is a price to strike gold early in the match.
- Selection: James Anderson top England first-innings bowler
- Best Odds: 3.25 (SkyBet)
- Stake: 7/10
Odds as at 5pm June 20th, 2022. Odds may now differ.
