Bangladesh could hardly land a blow on New Zealand in the limited overs matches over the last couple of weeks so they will aim to do better in the longer format of the game when they take on the Kiwis in the first of two Test matches in Wellington on Thursday, Wednesday evening UK time.
Both sides will know the importance of winning this first match as they will be assured of at least a share of the series should they do so. That could make it a little more compelling than it looks.
New Zealand
This will be New Zealand’s first outing in Test cricket since they were far too good for Pakistan earlier in the summer. In that series their bowling attack were rampant and that unit will expect similar results against another batting line up who are going to be playing in alien conditions.
With a couple of big series coming up the batting line up will be hoping to build up some confidence and momentum to take into those. If the one day matches are anything to go by they look to have the ideal chance to do that. Some players have the chance to stake a claim for places in those series too.
Bangladesh
The Tigers’ last Test match outing saw them humiliate England when they won the second Test in emphatic style to secure a share of that particular series. Levelling that series was a surprise but if they were to take anything from this one it would arguably represent a bigger surprise not to mention a bigger achievement.
If that is to happen then their batting line up is going to have to show good technique combined with excellent patience while the bowling attack, especially the seamers, are going to have bowl above themselves. The seamers will have the conditions to suit them so it should come down to whether they have the skills to get the job done.
Team News
New Zealand have Ross Taylor back for this first Test but they remain without Martin Guptill. They should head into the opener with a full strength bowling attack.
Bangladesh have their captain Mushfiqur Rahim back from injury for this one but Mustafizur Rahman has been rested for the match. Taskin Ahmed is expected to start.
Basin Reserve
The Basin Reserve is arguably New Zealand’s best venue. This will be the 59th time Test cricket has been held here. While it is one of the best venues in the country the home side don’t have the best record here. They have 16 wins with 19 defeats and 23 draws here. Bangladesh have lost both previous visits.
The pitch here generally gets better to bat on the longer the match goes so don’t be surprised to see a side win the toss and insert the opposition. Come days two, three and four the wicket is good for batting but there is plenty there for the bowlers at the start and end of the game.
Betting
Clearly we’re not going to get rich backing New Zealand to win this match and if they end up batting first we might have to sweat a bit before we get paid out too. Rather than do that I’ll leave the game alone early on in the hope that is what happens and we get a decent price on them at some other point in the match.
I will take one to go in with and it centres around the performance points of BJ Watling. Watling enjoys the Basin Reserve. He averages over 50 with the bat on this ground with a couple of centuries and a couple of 60s. That is almost 13pts more than his career average. He is no stranger to catches here either. Four times he has taken three or more catches in an innings so that batting record combined with catching potential makes a 95.5pt line look a little low.
Tips
WON – Back BJ.Watling’s Performance – Over 95.5pts for a 4/10 stake at 1.83 with Bet365
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