New Zealand v England First Test: In-running update

England's captain needs to lead a rearguard action to save the match

Paul Krishnamurty updates the state of play in the betting markets following a rain-shortened third day in Dunedin...

Latest score : England 167 all out, New Zealand 402/7
Match odds: New Zealand 2.26/5, Draw 1.865/6, England 50.049/1

Thanks in no small part to rain wiping out the final session and another 30 overs, England are back on course to save this opening test, despite doing very little right so far. With two extended days left, they trail by 235 runs and counting, so will need to bat through at least four sessions for their second innings to salvage a draw. With the pitch still reasonably good for batting, however, that shouldn't be beyond their capabilities.

The hosts can of course take encouragement from the fact they bowled England out so cheaply in the first innings, but one must assume the visitors will adopt a more pragmatic, cautious approach now given the state of play. If England's top order can survive the new ball, a second innings total of 350 plus looks well within range, which will take critical time out of the game. Without early breakthroughs for the New Zealand attack, expect to see the current odds of 1.865/6 about the draw trade considerably shorter, even without any more interruptions for rain or bad light.

Recommended Bet

Back The Draw @ 1.865/6