Cricket Betting: Third Test New Zealand v England

ALTHOUGH New Zealand and England clash in a potentially thrilling decider in Napier on Friday night, much of the betting attention will may focus on the top bat markets, rather than the outright. England are level after an impressive performance in Wellington but that in itself is reason enough to warrant caution when it comes to deciphering which of the two teams, if at all, will take the series. So inconsistent have Michael Vaughan's team been - they were absolutely dreadful in the first Test in Hamilton - that it would take a brave soul to get with them again.Instead, the top runscorer lists offer plenty of value and more rewards, to boot because the McLean Park wicket is expected to be a belter to bat on. Turnover on the market could be high especially with Stephen Fleming, who plays his last game before retiring, certain to see plenty of support at 10-3 with Blue Square to finish as the Kiwis' top first-innings runscorer. However, there could be too much pressure to perform in the way that the home faithful want him to and two candidates with better credentials are Jamie How and Ross Taylor. How, who is 5/1 with the same firm, scored a century on this ground in the one-day match between the dies which ended in a high-scoring tie with both teams posting 340. Taylor has top scored in both New Zealand's two first innings in the series so far and on such a wicket, it is difficult to understand why he is not a bit shorter than the 4/1 available. Also, both players ply their trade on this ground for their domestic teams. England's top runscorer is perhaps tougher to call. Michael Vaughan and Alastair Cook look in good touch at the top of the order while Kevin Pietersen and Ian Bell have both threatened big scores but not gone on. Vaughan, at 4/1, might just have the extra class required this time, however.