Australia vs New Zealand odds
After being hammered in the first Test, the Black Caps will look to be more competitive when they face Australia in the second Test in Hobart. The injury-hit Australian line up had given the Kiwis hope of breaking a long winning drought, but their top order failed to deliver in both innings, giving Australia an easy victory in Brisbane.
The only Australian under pressure after the first Test is opening batsman Phillip Hughes, who scored 10 and 7 runs in his first and second innings, respectively.
Bookmakers aren’t giving New Zealand much chance of squaring the season, installing the visitors as 7.75 outsiders for a Test win. With showers predicted over the weekend and Monday, the draw starts at odds of 2.65, which is actually lower than the initial first Test odds.
Betting
Given the persistent inability of New Zealand batsmen to put together a Test innings, I would back Australia at 1.73 odds. The primary risk for this bet will be the forecasted occasional showers on Saturday through Monday. Anyone wary of this may wish to delay betting until closer to Friday. The double chance ‘Australia or draw’ may be worth pairing with other wagers in a multi bet. Even if New Zealand can provide two solid innings totals, I don’t back them to take 20 Australian wickets in time to secure victory.