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Cricket tips

South Africa can seal the series in style

Key injuries stack up for New Zealand

South Africa celebrate a New Zealand wicket
South Africa celebrate a New Zealand wicketCredit: Hagen Hopkins

New Zealand v South Africa
Sky Sports 5, 10pm Friday

South Africa beat New Zealand by nine wickets on their last Test visit to Hamilton in 2012 and the Proteas can repeat the feat and seal a series victory over the depleted Kiwis.

New Zealand, already missing experienced batsman Ross Taylor, have lost Tim Southee to injury and another key bowler, Trent Boult, is a major doubt.

Southee and Boult are a huge part of the Kiwis' plans, especially at home, and their absence hands South Africa a clear edge in the bowling department.

The tourists lead the three-match series 1-0 after an excellent bowling performance in Wellington and they merit a small bet to win the third Test.

Recommendation
South Africa
1pt 11-5 Betfred

India v Australia
Sky Sports 2, 4.30am Saturday

England were demolished by India before Christmas but Australia have put up a far bolder show, beating their hosts in the first Test, losing the second and batting out for a draw in the third game.

That sets up a decider in Dharamsala and India are odds-on favourites despite doubts over the fitness of captain and star batsman Virat Kohli.

Kohli's opposite number Steve Smith has no such worries after his magnificent unbeaten 178 in the third Test and he is a solid favourite to top-score in the first innings. Smith also made centuries in the warm-up game against India A and the first Test in Pune.

Recommendation
S Smith top Australia first-innings runscorer
1pt 5-2 Paddy Power, Sky Bet

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