The Test Series between Australia and New Zealand starts at the Gabba on Thursday, and world champions Australia are perhaps predictably hot favourites (1/4) to win the First Test.

Matt Finnegan of Ladbrokes said "Given Australia took very little time to assert their authority in the Ashes, we have New Zealand at very long odds in this game. Kiwi punters might choose to back individual players if they're looking for a patriotic bet for this series."

Of the Black Caps, fit-again Chris Cairns, who often makes a good contribution in one-sided matches, catches the eye at 10/1 to be New Zealand's top scorer in the game. Richardson and Sinclair are joint-favourites at 4/1. Skipper Stephen Fleming, fresh from a successful summer with Middlesex, is 5/1.

Ladbrokes rate Justin Langer favourite to be top Aussie run-scorer in the game. Matt Finnegan explains. "Langer is in good form, and he's likely to enjoy the Black Caps' attack. Having taken his chance at the Oval in the last game of the Ashes series, punters may conclude that he's motivated to make the position his own for the foreseeable future."

Of the other Australian batsmen, Ricky Ponting shares top billing at 4/1, with the prolific Mark Waugh at 5/1. Punishing wicket-keeper/batsman Adam Gilchrist is priced at 8/1. The Gabba is Shane Warne's best batting ground – the scene of his highest score two summers ago (86* against Pakistan). An outside bet on Warne to be top Australian batsman in the game is priced at 50/1.

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Note: Odds are subject to change. Please check Ladbrokes for current availability and prices

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