Rose Bowl: England Lions v New Zealand Cricket Betting
May 6, 2008
Thursday 8th May sees New Zealand’s last “warm-up” match as they prepare for the Test series rematch against England, a four-day tie against England Lions at Hampshire’s Rose Bowl.
ROSE BOWL – ENGLAND LIONS v NEW ZEALAND
KEY PLAYERS
England
The England Lions, as the national “A” side is now known, will be captained by Test batsman Robert Key. 28-year-old Key captains a 12-man squad after scoring 178 not out for Kent against New Zealand at Canterbury. The Lions look particularly strong, with 8 of the 12 have Test or one-day Experience for the full England side. The menace of Ryan Sidebottom is looming large in New Zealand minds as they continue preparations for their Test series rematch against England. It was Sidebottom who finished man of the series as England came from one Test down to win 2-1 in New Zealand, and “Blackcaps” skipper Daniel Vettori admits his team will again be wary of the Yorkshireman. Dettori went on to comment upon the length of spell that Sidebottom is capable of bowling, his pace and ability to swing the ball, highlighting him as the difference between the sides in the recent Test series. Quick bowler Matthew Hoggard was dropped for the last two Tests in New Zealand, but has put up strong recent performances for Yorkshire and is given another chance to show his capabilities against an international side.
England Lions: Rob Key (captain), Ravi Bopara, Michael Carberry, Matthew Hoggard, Steve Kirby, Matt Prior, Graham Onions, Adil Rashid, Owais Shah, Graeme Swann, Chris Tremlett, Luke Wright.
New Zealand
Daniel Vettori has been ruled out of the Lions’ match after injuring his finger against Essex, during his first tour game since arriving from India, but is convinced he will be fit for the first Test at Lord’s on May 15th.
According Vettori, New Zealand’s chances of a successful English tour hinge on successfully countering the English bowling attack. Vettori hopes rookie opening bat Aaron Redmond could be one of the men who aids in this aim. Redmond made 35 in the first innings against Essex and again worked hard when he was forced to bat down the order in the second innings, helping Kyle Mills add an important 58 for the seventh wicket. The New Zealand skipper confessed to being impressed with Redmond’s patience and composure, in what is essentially an aggressive top-order batting unit. Fast bowler Michael Mason seems certain to have put himself into the Test picture, after bowling New Zealand to victory over Essex. Essex began the final day on 46-1 chasing 293. However, they we undone by Mason (3-36) whose overall match figures of 7-101 seem sure to attract the attention of the tour selectors. 33-year-old Mason has only played in one Test, over four years ago, but has featured in 21 one-day internationals.
BETTING
Prices appear to be unavailable prior to the start of the match. However, it seems likely that several online bookmakers will offer “in-running” betting
All odds correct at time of writing. Please click here for the latest odds
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