Best Series Odds
Under the inspired leadership of Stephen Fleming, New Zealand have played with more self-belief than at any other time. The Kiwis gave Australia a real run for their money on their own soil before Christmas before impressing in the recent VB series. However, the loss of pace bowler, Shane Bond, leaves Chris Cairns leading an inexperienced attack with the help of left arm spinner Daniel Vettori. England have a good record in New Zealand having won two of the previous three series.
England will play the first Test on a portable drop-in pitch for the first time when they take on New Zealand at the Jade Stadium in Christchurch on Wednesday. A portable square was used in the drawn Test used against Pakistan one year ago. That match produced in excess of 1200 runs and included two double centuries. However, this year’s surface is expected to have slightly more grass covering and therefore be livelier.
The second Test match will be played in windy Wellington where the hosts have managed just one victory (against Bangladesh) in the previous 4 Tests played on the ground. The third and final match of the series will be at Eden Park, Auckland. The previous two Tests played on this ground both went to the touring side.
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