Don’t expect Kiwis to roll over

SPORTS BETTING:

NEW Zealand pushed England all the way in the Test series during the winter and there’s no obvious reason why they should not do the same again over the next fortnight.

The first of two Tests against the Kiwis starts at Lord’s tomorrow and, with virtually the same personnel involved, a tight contest is in prospect.

Admittedly, England should improve on home turf and they were probably jaded last time after the gruelling four-Test series in India.

But they were second-best for long periods in New Zealand and only avoided defeat in the final Test thanks to a heroic century from Matt Prior.

The English weather might well affect this mini series, too, so the 0-0 draw offered at 6-1 looks overpriced.

I would much rather take a chance on that than the 2-5 offered about a home success.

As for the top England batsman and bowler, the odds-layers reckon skipper Alastair Cook (3-1) and James Anderson (9-4) are the most likely to come out on top.

In the former marker, Joe Root must be of interest at 6-1 as he has already hit three centuries this summer.

The only problem is that, as a number five batsman, there is a chance he may not get as many innings as the likes of Cook, Nick Compton and Jonathan Trott which could prove crucial given a maximum of four knocks in the series.

RECOMMENDATION: 0-0 draw, 6-1 (general).