New Zealand vs England Prediction & Betting Tips - Bilateral Series

Prediction published on 22/02/2023, 07:00  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 22/02/2023 at 07:22 in Cricket Predictions

England head to Wellington this Thursday, for the commencement of the 2nd and final test against New Zealand, with the visitors looking to secure a series whitewash in their opponent's own backyard. The transformation of English test cricket, orchestrated by Brendan McCullum and Ben Stokes, has proven to be too much for opponents in the last year, and their entertaining ‘bazball’ style was on display yet again in the first test, which saw them romp to a 267 run win at Mount Maunganui. With that win, England extended their excellent record under McCullum to seven consecutive test wins, which is the side's longest win streak since 2004. Harry Brook has looked in sensational form for the English and once again made his mark in the first test, scoring half-centuries in both innings, while Stuart Broad and James Anderson demolished the Black Caps' top order in the second innings, bowling them out for a mere 126 runs. While England did win by a large margin in the first test, it is arguable that they weren’t even at their absolute best with bat or ball in that match, which doesn’t bode well for the hosts.

New Zealand was underwhelming, to say the least, in the opening test and once again showed the fragility of their top order, which failed to fire yet again. After losing three early wickets, the Black Caps were rescued by a Tom Blundell century that got them to 306 in their first innings, but they were unable to follow up in the second innings, where they slumped to defeat with only Daryl Mitchell managing a knock of any substance. Unfortunately, their problems don’t end there. With ball in hand, New Zealand is noticeably weakened without the likes of Boult and de Grandholme, with current paceman Neil Wagner recording figures of 13-0-110-2. The hosts have now gone seven consecutive tests without a win, and it’s hard to see them leveling the series based on their current form.