Cricket Betting - Test Matches

Test match cricket is the oldest and most traditional format of the game. With two teams doing battle usually over a 5 day match a lot can happen during that time. Each team will be given the opportunity to bat twice with no limit on the number of overs a team can bat for. In order for the game to be completed and a winner announced, both teams will need to have completed their innings.

This does mean tactics can come into play. Teams who have scored a lot of runs may choose to declare and end their innings early if they feel they are far enough ahead. This would then mean the other team comes into bat needing to either reach the target set by the other team or not lose all their wickets before the end of the game.

Weather can play an important part when it comes to betting on test match cricket. Any rain and play will be stopped which will have an effect on the length of a game. If a day or two are missed with rain it increased the chances the game will end in a draw.

Test Match Betting

Weather can play an important part when it comes to betting on test match cricket. Any rain and play will be stopped which will have an effect on the length of a game. If a day or two are missed with rain it increases the chances the game will end in a draw.

Test matches are long drawn-out affairs over 5 days and the strategy from the teams plays an important part. The pitch itself will often become harder to bat on as the match goes and this makes winning the toss and having the option to bat or bowl first really important. If the pitch is going to get worse teams will much rather bat first which means the opposing team will have to bat second and that means batting last when the pitch may be at its worse. This can give a big advantage to the team batting first as they can bat on a pitch which is much better and therefore score more runs.

Popular Test Match Betting Markets

Total Runs Over/Under

Giving the time of the match and the fact teams have two innings there is a lot of opportunity to score runs. Betting on this market requires you to select whether or not there will be more than the number of runs set by the bookmaker. Again, weather and condition of the pitch are two components you should consider when placing a bet on this market.

Player to score 100

Players scoring 100 runs in a test match is a popular betting market. Players in test matches tend to take a more tentative approach to batting as the length of the innings is sometimes as important as the score. Once a player has settled into a rhythm it can be hard to get them out. Of the 11 batters the odds will vary on their chances of scoring more than 100 given the ability of each batter will vary from top of the order to the bottom.

Most Wickets

This market is all about the bowlers and trying to identify which bowler is going to take the most wickets during a test match. The pitch has a big part to play in this market. Some pitches will suit fast bowlers whilst others will favour the spinners. Getting an idea on the state of the pitch will give you valuable information before placing a bet on this market.

Test winner

Although a fairly straightforward market where you are choosing the team you think will win, given the length of a test match and the variables in weather and pitch it is common for games to end in a draw. The odds on a draw are normally higher than your outright winner markets but it is worth considering before picking the team you think will win.

BettorMind Advice

Research – There is a lot of information you can obtain through research ahead of a test match. The state of the pitch, the squads and the weather forecast will all help you when it comes to choosing your bets. This is key when it comes to your betting as it puts in you a position to make the best decision and in the long run this is a great way to get the most enjoyment from your betting.

In-Play betting – Due to the fact a test match can go on for 5 days, in play betting is incredibly popular. This is where you place a bet after the event has started. This gives you the opportunity to watch some of the action before you place a bet. The odds of outcomes will change regularly as the game goes on. Whilst it may mean you are getting shorter odds on something you are now placing a bet with much more information to hand and be much better placed to have a bet.

Test matches are the purest form of cricket and a lot can happen in a 5 day test match. If you are having a bet, please make sure you check out our advice above as well as all of our other content at BettorMind.