Cricket Betting: 2016 South Africa vs New Zealand Test Match

A highly weary and injury struck South Africa prepare to host New Zealand in a two-match series starting with the first Test at Kingsmead, Durban from August 19th – 23rd.

South Africa pride themselves on being a top Test nation and were in fact ranked top of the pile, before defeats to India and England sent them crashing down the rankings. They are currently ranked sixth and take the field after a seven-month break from the longer format.

Injured skipper AB de Villiers and pace bowler Morne Morkel are already out of contention, which is a massive loss for the hosts. However, the return of Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander should be music to the ears for replacement skipper Faf du Plessis who also has the luxury of Kagiso Rabada at his disposal.

For the visitors, the series comes after a stroll in the park against Zimbabwe. Kane Williamson and Tom Latham were in exquisite form at the top of the order while Martin Guptill and Ross Taylor were solid as always. It is another matter altogether whether these players can step up against a tougher opponent but their confidence will be sky-high.

One advantage for Williamson is the top class seam attack at his disposal – Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Neil Wagner. Mitchell Santner gives them stability with his all-round ability while they also have Ish Sodhi in their ranks. The Kiwis may not use two starting spinners but it is always handy to have plenty of options.

The unusually vulnerable South African side and a first-ever Test in Durban this early makes the contest a little more interesting. Williamson at odds of $3.75 with William Hill is a good punt to lead the Kiwi batting.

For the hosts it could be the always consistent Hashim Amla who could end up topping the run-scorers. Back him at odds of $3.50 with William Hill.

With the ball, it could be Rabada who could end up being the hosts’ best bowler – back him at odds of $3.75 with William Hill.

The odds market is stacked against them but the Kiwis – at odds of $3.25 with William Hill – look a good bet to upset the hosts and win the series.

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