Cricket Test Match Betting Tips

Test match cricket is the oldest and most traditional form of international cricket. The first Test match took place between Australia and England as far back as 1877.

Unlike the newer, short forms of international cricket matches, Test cricket (or five-day/long-form cricket) takes place over five days with two innings per side. This means that Test cricket betting can be slightly different to placing a bet on the average cricket match. Fortunately, that doesn't mean that betting on long-form cricket is any less exciting or rewarding than the shorter cricket betting forms.

Let's run through some of the best betting tips to keep in mind when placing bets on test cricket matches.

Popular Types of Bets in Test Match Cricket

With the emergence of twenty-twenty cricket, Test cricketers are taking more and more risks on the field. Even so, a Test batsman's number one priority is to protect his wicket.

In T20s and one-day internationals, a match winner is likely a batsman who scores quickly. In long-form cricket, a bowler who takes regular wickets or a batsman who slowly accumulates runs can often be the difference between victory and defeat.

For this reason, online cricket betting types in test matches often focus more on the top bowling team. Individual player performances and match predictions offering better betting odds are also popular.

Here are some of the more common types of Test cricket bets:

Coin toss

This betting strategy involves selecting which of the two teams will win the coin toss before the start of the game. As it is a 50-50 choice, the betting odds are reflected as such.

Win, lose or draw

A Test match offers three potential results. Online betting sites offer betting opportunities on a win or loss for Team A or B, or a draw between the teams.

Online bookmakers set odds depending on test rankings, home or away status, and match conditions. In the unlikely event of a tie, a draw equates to a losing result.

First wicket partnership

Cricket betting sites will likely offer odds on which team gets the best first wicket partnership over the first innings of the match. Bettors should consult cricket betting tips for pointers if they're not familiar with the teams' opening batsmen.

Should both first innings opening partnerships be equal, there are two possibilities: a tie at priced-up odds will be paid out, or dead heat rules will apply. This betting rule will depend entirely on the online bookmaker.

Method of dismissal

Prices can be offered on six different dismissal types for each wicket in an innings. These are bowled, caught, leg-before-wicket (lbw), stumped, run out or "other," which could include a dismissal like "hit wicket."

Higher odds will be likely for less frequent types of dismissal. Bettors can place new cricket wagers on each new wicket with in-play or live betting.

First innings lead

There are dozens of online markets to choose from when it comes to long-form cricket predictions. One particular betting market offers odds on a first innings lead for either Team A or Team B.

It is best to consult the cricket betting tips available and bear a first innings lead in mind when you're also placing an overall match prediction. Should both teams achieve an equal first innings total in a Test match, odds for a tie will likely be paid out.

Other betting markets

Other Test cricket predictions include odds offered on what will happen with the first ball of a test cricket match and how many runs will come off a match's first over.

Cricket fans can also wager on whether a wicket will fall in the first over and who will be a team's top wicket taker or run scorer.

Alternatively, bets can be placed on the man of the match, which bowler will take the most wickets and who will hit the most sixes.

Odds and Betting Lines in Test Matches

Bettors can place several betting line wagers. A betting line is a standard level set by an online bookmaker. This enables a bettor to back the favoured team to win by more than the line or the "underdog" to lose by less than the set line, for example.

The standard run line is 1.5 and odds change to show differences between competing teams. Betting lines are different to points spreads, where lines change.

Odds betting can incorporate an individual test match prediction or cover the results of the entire test series. They are also offered on top run scorers and wicket takers, both in single cricket matches and complete Test series. Depending on the online betting site, a free bet may be offered on a series or match prediction as well.

Test Match Cricket-Specific Considerations

When plotting a betting strategy for a test cricket match or series, bettors should consider several factors. Cricket betting tips offered by sites like Midnite can highlight these factors and illustrate why they are important.

Cricket matches in test betting formats take place over multiple days. For this reason, factors like weather conditions are more significant than they are for limited-over matches lasting one day.

Another element to consider is captaincy. An aggressive captain's tactics can improve the chances of a result - one way or the other. If two cautious captains are squaring off, the chances of a draw will likely increase.

Finally, consider the type of pitch the test will be played on. A pitch with lots of grass will favour fast bowlers, meaning more wickets will likely fall. A flat wicket encourages plenty of runs and necessitates positive declarations more frequently. If the pitch starts to crack up on later days, however, spin bowlers may become important.

It is important to understand the nuances of long-form cricket and follow the associated tips more closely than in one-day cricket formats. It can be an exciting and lucrative betting option - if you know how to use it.

FAQs

Can you place accumulator bets on test matches?

Test match and test series are some of the best cricket to bet on due to the variety of betting options available. Bookies typically offer several accumulator alternatives.

What are free bets?

Free bets are given to new users of sports betting sites so they can start betting without depositing money.