New Zealand vs. Australia: Latest Odds and Betting Tips Ahead of 2nd Test

Australia's quest to regain their status as the world's top-ranked ICC Test side continues on Saturday, when they take on Trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand in the second Test at Christchurch.

The visitors arrive with a 1-0 series lead after running out easy victors at the Basin Reserve, winning by a comfortable margin of an innings and 52 runs.

Here's a look at the odds for Saturday's Test, as well as a couple of recommended bets. All odds are courtesy of Oddschecker (accurate as of 1.45pm GMT on Tuesday):

Australia to win	11/10
New Zealand to win	3/1
Draw	5/1

Hazlewood to Finish as Top Australian Bowler—7/2

Since shrugging off injury issues that blighted the early part of his career, Josh Hazlewood has become a central figure in the Baggy Greens' cricket in the last 12 months.

The 25-year-old fast-bowler displayed his quality and ruthlessness in Wellington, as he gathered a four-wicket haul in the first innings to dismantle the New Zealand top order. 

Tom Latham, Martin Guptill, Brendon McCullum and BJ Watling were all sent on their way by the right-armer as Hazlewood took 4-42 in an impressive 14 overs. 

In the second innings it was the turn of Nathan Lyon to take four wickets to add to his already impressive career statistics.

Cricket Australia's communications manager revealed further data behind Lyon's bowling success: 

Hagley Ovel is regarded as one of the fastest and bounciest wickets on New Zealand soil, per Andrew Wu of the Sydney Morning Herald, and in-form Hazlewood has a strong opportunity to repeat those figures once more. 

Australia to Win the Series 2-0—11/10

Darren Lehmann's side utterly dominated the Black Caps last time out, forcing New Zealand to suffer the humiliation of a home innings defeat for the first time in almost two decades, per ESPN Cricinfo. Steve Smith is also yet to suffer defeat in the 10 Test matches in which he has skippered the side. 

Additionally, not only are Australia's bowlers producing magic, their batsmen are also contributing huge totals. Adam Voges will arrive at the second Test following an innings of 239, per ESPN Cricinfo. They can also call upon Usman Khawaja, who has struck 644 runs in his last six innings as Australia's No. 3, per Hijam Raju Singh of the Times of India. 

Despite it being McCullum's farewell series, per Mark Geenty of Stuff.co.nz, the New Zealand attack of Tim Southee and Trent Boult have lacked any reply with the ball, and the pair are likely to suffer a similar fate when they pitch up on Saturday. 

McCullum's final showing in international cricket has perked the emotions of some fans: 

With one Test win already in the bank, Australia will be desperate to seal a series win to help them prevail in their attempt to return to the summit of the ICC Test rankings. Fortunately for them, they hold a fast-bowler in Hazlewood in fine form and two key batsmen in great touch.

Another Australian masterclass should be expected in the second Test, with the wicket aiding the visitors' hopes further.