Hamilton history hints at Bell shining for England in first New Zealand ODI

England may have lost in Hamilton in their recent T20 showdown with New Zealand, but they can make amends in the one-day arena to take the early initiative in the latest three-game series.

Fresh from a 10-wicket success in Wellington to win the T20 series 2-1, England are understandable favourites to win the one-day opener at 8/13.

And the omens look fairly good for a victory for the visitors, as New Zealand have lost all three 50-over outings at the ground since a win over England in 2008.

What was also noticeable in these defeats was that on all three occasions, a visiting batsman registered a century.

Plus, it was not just any visiting batsman that reached three figures, it was precisely the one at number two in the batting order.

Ian Bell filled this position in the last one-day series in India and ironically contributed 113 not out in the final game at Dharamsala.

Bell is 7/2 to be England’s top runscorer at Seddon Park and 13/8 to surpass 50.

However, given the recent rafts of 100s at the ground, the best bet of the match may prove the 11/8 that a century is scored by any player this time, with Ladbrokes offering the best price on this market.

Bell can be backed at 6/1 to be the player to register this century or alternatively he is 9/1 to land man of the match honours, which is pretty much guaranteed if he scores 100+.

Given their home advantage, some punters may deem New Zealand to be overpriced in the match betting market at 5/4.

But with England able to recall James Anderson and Graeme Swann to their bowling attack, preference is slightly for them for victory.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.