Test cricket betting tips: Suggested bets for England vs New Zealand and India vs Afghanistan
With the IPL 2026 season done and dusted, attention turns back to Test cricket as England host New Zealand and India welcome Afghanistan.
With World Test Championship points back on the line, New Zealand will look to strengthen their position at the top, while India and England aim to move up in the standings.
Here, Sports News Blitz cricket expert Himanshu Sharma breaks down the best bets, value plays and key betting angles for the upcoming Tests.
England vs New Zealand 1st Test at Lord’s
England hosts New Zealand in a three-match Test series to kick off their home summer.
The series marks England's first red-ball assignment since their disappointing Ashes campaign.
Despite the Ashes setback, England remain a formidable force at home and have not lost a home Test series since Brendon McCullum took charge.
England have rung the changes. The top-order batters Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope have been axed. Emilio Gay and James Rew have been added to the squad and both push for Test debuts.
The bowling attack also has a fresh look, with Brydon Carse sidelined and Jofra Archer rested for the series opener. Ollie Robinson returns while Sonny Baker has received his maiden Test call-up.
Meanwhile, New Zealand come into the series after a dominant Test victory over Ireland at Stormont.
The Black Caps are the last touring side to win a Test series in England, having secured a 1-0 triumph in 2021.
While England deserve favouritism given their home record under McCullum, New Zealand have historically been one of the better-equipped touring sides in English conditions.
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England vs New Zealand Betting Odds
England win: 1.45
New Zealand win: 2.45
The market understandably favours England, but New Zealand's record in English conditions suggests the visitors could offer some value for bettors seeking bigger prices.
Best Bet: Joe Root to score 34+ runs
Joe Root, one of the most reliable performers in Test cricket, has amassed 1,925 runs against the Black Caps at an outstanding average of 53.47 across 21 Tests.
Root's impressive record at Lord's further strengthens the case, the conditions he thrives in.
Backing him to score 34+ runs appears one of the safest betting angles heading into the opening Test.
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India vs Afghanistan, only Test at Mullanpur Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh
India resume their WTC season with a one-off Test against Afghanistan.
India are overwhelming favourites on home soil, regardless of the opposition.
Afghanistan, meanwhile, will be eager to make a statement against one of the toughest teams to beat in home conditions.
The spotlight will firmly be on captain Shubman Gill as he continues to establish himself as the next-gen leader.
The lone meeting between the two nations in Test cricket came in Bengaluru in 2018, where India secured a crushing innings-and-262-run victory.
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India vs Afghanistan Betting Odds
India: 1.12
Afghanistan: 12.50
The odds reflect the gulf between the two sides in Test cricket. Market reckons India to win the one-off Test comfortably.
Best Bet: Shubman Gill to score 43+ runs
Shubman Gill's record as a Test batter has been phenomenal over the last couple of years.
Since the start of 2025, the Indian captain has accumulated 983 runs in his last nine Tests at a remarkable average of 70.21, including five centuries.
