Bairstow a 7/1 party crasher

With both teams eyeing a series-clinching victory from the final Test in Auckland, England will be looking to answer their critics with an improved display on an already solid record at Eden Park.

England have drawn 10 times in 15 matches against New Zealand at Eden Park, but with much better weather than the previous two Tests forecast, Alastair Cook’s men will be looking to complete a confidence-boosting victory ahead of an important summer of cricket.

The tourists are odds-on with bet365, who offer 4/6 on the England win. However, with Kevin Pietersen ruled out through injury, Jonny Bairstow deputises and is 7/1 to finish as England’s highest scoring batsman in the first innings. Wicket keeper Matt Prior, who made an impressive 82 in the opening innings at Wellington, is 10/1 to finish England’s top run scorer in their first innings at the crease.

Doug Bracewell, who missed the first two Tests after standing on a piece of glass when cleaning up following a party at his house, is set to return to the Kiwi attack and bet365 are offering 5/2 on him being the top New Zealand first innings bowler.

England made 5 and 26 respectively in their opening innings from the previous two Tests before the fall of the first wicket; 11/10 for under 26 this time around could well prove value.