With the IPL 2026 season over, attention returns to Test cricket. England host New Zealand at Lord’s, while India welcome Afghanistan for a one-off Test.
World Test Championship points add extra importance to both matches. New Zealand will look to strengthen their position, while England and India aim to climb the standings.
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 begin their home summer with a three-match Test series against New Zealand.
The series gives England their first red-ball assignment since the disappointing Ashes campaign. Despite that setback, England remain a strong force at home.
Brendon McCullum’s side has not lost a home Test series since he took charge. However, England have made several changes to their squad.
Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope have left the Test setup. Emilio Gay and James Rew could make their Test debuts.
The bowling attack also has a different look. Brydon Carse misses the series, while England have rested Jofra Archer for the opening Test.
Ollie Robinson returns to the squad. Sonny Baker has also received his first Test call-up.
New Zealand arrive after a strong Test win over Ireland at Stormont. The Black Caps also have a recent record that England will respect.
New Zealand became the last touring team to win a Test series in England when they secured a 1-0 victory in 2021.
England deserve favouritism because of their home record. Nevertheless, New Zealand have shown that they can perform well in English conditions.
England vs New Zealand Betting Odds
- England win: 1.45
- New Zealand win: 2.45
The market makes England the clear favourite. However, New Zealand’s record in English conditions could make them interesting for bettors looking for a bigger price.
Best Bet: Joe Root to score 34+ runs
Joe Root remains one of Test cricket’s most reliable batters.
He has scored 1,925 runs against New Zealand at an average of 53.47 across 21 Tests.
Root also has an impressive record at Lord’s. The conditions should suit his style of batting.
As a result, backing Root to score 34 or more runs looks like one of the stronger betting angles for the opening Test.
India vs Afghanistan, only Test at Mullanpur Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh
India return to World Test Championship action against Afghanistan in a one-off Test.
The hosts enter the match as overwhelming favourites. India have also built an imposing home record in Test cricket.
Afghanistan, meanwhile, will hope to produce a strong performance against one of the toughest teams to beat at home.
All eyes will be on India captain Shubman Gill. The young batter continues to develop his leadership role.
India and Afghanistan have met only once in Test cricket. India won that 2018 match in Bengaluru by an innings and 262 runs.
India vs Afghanistan Betting Odds
- India: 1.12
- Afghanistan: 12.50
The odds show a significant gap between the two teams. India enter the match as heavy favourites.
Best Bet: Shubman Gill to score 43+ runs
Shubman Gill has produced excellent numbers in Test cricket over the past two years.
Since the start of 2025, Gill has scored 983 runs in his last nine Tests at an average of 70.21.
He has also recorded five centuries during that period.
Those numbers make Gill an attractive option in the batting markets. Backing him to score 43 or more runs could offer a strong betting angle.
