New Zealand v England 1st Test: In-running update

KP's golden duck summed up England's day

Paul Krishnamurty updates the state of play in the betting markets following a disastrous start for England in Dunedin...

Latest score : England 167 all out, New Zealand 131/0
Match odds: New Zealand 1.845/6, Draw 2.56/4, England 16.015/1

After the first day of this series was entirely washed out, play finally got under way in Dunedin with catastrophic results for both England fans and odds-on favourite backers. Those of us who'd backed England at around 1.75/7 pre-match were already in trouble once the rain came and punters that forced the draw odds into 1.68/13 during the downpour only fared slightly better as the visitors were skittled out for just 167. In response, New Zealand are only 36 runs behind with all ten first innings wickets remaining. Having drifted out to 19.5n/a early on, they are now strong favourites to win the match at 1.845/6.

Theoretically, all three results are still in-play but in order to retain a realistic chance of victory, England will need to take quick wickets tomorrow and restrict their first innings deficit to no more than 200. On a pitch offering very little at this stage, that looks a tall order. Nevertheless, today's collapse owed much more to an inept, rusty batting display and poor shot selection than fearsome bowling so it will be no surprise to see England rack up a big total second time around to save the match. Expect to see the odds about New Zealand and the Draw shift back and forth as partnerships develop and wickets fall throughout the rest of the match.

For now though, the principle betting opportunities may lie in the 1st Innings Runs market. England's bowlers have created precious few chances so far, even with the new ball, and look set to endure another frustrating day. A key point to remember with regards New Zealand is that their best batsmen are yet to arrive at the crease. The likes of Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor and Brendon McCullum will be licking their lips at the prospect of this pitch and between them, shouldn't have too much trouble taking their side well beyond 400. Odds of around 2.01/1 on them reaching 425 represent a decent value bet for day three.

Recommended Bet

Back New Zealand to score 425 or more runs @ 2.01/1