Test Match Betting Odds

Cricket is the most popular sport in India and this is certainly reflected in its dominance of the betting markets.

No other sport is wagered on as much in India.

This has only increased since the advent of online sportsbooks, which have made cricket betting even easier and more accessible than ever before.

Recent years have also seen the rise of new cricket formats and competitions that have only stoked the sport’s popularity even further.

T20, the IPL, and The Hundred are just some of those.

However, for many, Test cricket remains the pinnacle of the sport. 

This can probably be said of cricket betting too, so let’s take a closer look at those particular markets. 

Test Match Betting Odds Explained

Test matches are the longest form of cricket and this results in an incredible number of markets upon which to bet.

They are scheduled over five or four days between international teams, with both having two batting innings each.

Five-day matches are the most common.

Another way in which Test match cricket is different from other popular forms is that there is no limit on the number of overs that can be bowled.

While T20 cricket is limited to 20 overs per side and ODIs are limited to 50, Test matches continue until there is either a definitive result or the scheduled number of days have elapsed.

The very real possibility of a draw (as opposed to the very rarely seen tie in limited overs formats of the game) adds another layer to Test match betting odds.

It means you can back either team, with the favourite the one with the shortest odds, or the draw – and oftentimes that will be a sensible option to explore.

Test Match Market Overview

Test match cricket markets are some of the most complex you will find in the sport.

You are talking about the most technically gifted players in the world doing battle over four or five days, and this means a lot can happen.

Indeed, Test cricket is full of wild momentum swings and constantly emerging and evolving sub-plots throughout, but this is what makes it so captivating for those who love the sport.

However, it can also provide an advantage to the bettor as over such a long period, generally speaking, you’d expect the most talented team to come out on top.

All of this means that you might not get the most generous odds on the favourite, but if you can predict an upset – and they are not uncommon – then there is some real opportunity to cash in.

There is also a huge range of related markets to look at, such as top batsman, toss winner and man of the match, so don’t be afraid to spread your stake a little.

Don’t forget that you can bet on the winner of a Test series as well as any Test match within it.

Test Match Betting Rules

As mentioned, Test match cricket is a complex form of the game, so there are a few key things to keep in mind before you bet on it.

Know Your Draw Options

Since draws can – and do – happen in Test cricket, make sure you know what you have bet on.

Most sportsbooks will allow you to back the draw outright but, unlike some other sports, a draw won’t void the bet if neither team wins.

However, bookmakers will offer a ‘Draw No Bet’ option which will see you get your money returned in the event of a draw.

Some will also offer a Double Chance winner option, which means you win your bet if the team you have backed is the victor or it is a draw.

Factor In The Weather

A lot of weather can happen in five days and as a result, it can have a big impact on your Test match betting.

Not only can the weather take a lot of time out of a match, but it can also change the batting or bowling conditions considerably throughout the contest.

You are well-advised, then, to check out a seven-day weather forecast before you bet on Test match cricket.

Keeping up-to-date with the latest weather reports is wise too.

Consider The Context

Test matches are occasionally played in isolation but generally, they are played in a series.

A series is several matches played in succession, with the winner of the series being the team that has won the most Test matches within it.

The context of how the series is going may have a major impact on the match itself.

For example, if a team is 2-0 up in a five-match series, they may play more defensively than they normally would in the third Test knowing that they can afford to draw and still win the series.

Test Match Betting Strategy

As with any sports betting, a good strategy when gambling on Test match cricket is always going to help you come out on top.

Here are some you may wish to consider.

Know Your Pitches

Cricket is a global sport played across many different climates.

This creates a big variance regarding pitch conditions. For example, pitches in Australia will favour fast bowlers who create a lot of bounce, while English conditions are perfect for swing bowlers.

Meanwhile, tracks in the sub-continent are generally ideal for spinners.

Understanding which bowling attack will get the most out of the pitch will go a long way towards predicting how a match or series will go.

Understand The Captains

The role of the captain in cricket is always important but in Test match cricket, it is vital.

They control everything across the five/four days, including bowling changes, fielder positions, and declarations.

Teams therefore become a reflection of their captains.

For example, England went from the cerebral Joe Root to the raw aggression of Ben Stokes, and their cricket changed dramatically as a result, despite their line-ups remaining largely unchanged.

So, understanding the captains will give you a much-improved chance of understanding the contest.

Wait For The Coin Toss

The coin toss can have an enormous impact on Test cricket due to the length of the matches.

Continuous play over four or five days will result in a pitch deteriorating due to wear and tear. Sometimes this will favour a bowling attack and sometimes the batters.

For example, after four days of cricket, footmarks left on the pitch by bowlers will likely be very pronounced.

So, if you have a strong spin attack, you’re likely to want to be bowling last to get the ball gripping those footmarks and spinning out of them.

Ultimately, there is little doubt that winning the toss gives a team a chance to play the conditions to their advantage and this can really make a difference.