$10k bet down the drain - Black Caps win hurts punters

Doug Bracewell celebrates the wicket of James Pattinson. Photo / Getty Images

The Australian cricket side weren't the only losers after the Black Caps historic test win yesterday, with big money punters left empty handed after placing large bets on the home side.

Some loyal punters made money but the big dollars were placed by those confident the Australians would continue their 26-year streak over New Zealand on home soil.

TAB cricket bookmaker Simon Thomas said the odds were on the Aussies for the majority of the game.

"On the last day, when Khawaja and Warner were there, Australia got into $1.01 and New Zealand were out to $15. The draw was obviously a non-runner at that point given that the weather was fine."

Mr Thomas said there were a small number of people who backed the Kiwis while the odds were at their highest.

"We had drips and drabs but most people probably didn't believe at that point as it looked like it was a dead duck.

"I wouldn't say anyone collected a sum worth mentioning."

Despite the loss in the first test, a number of bets were placed on the Black Caps before the second test, although these fell away after captain Ross Taylor lost the toss and New Zealand suffered a terrible batting collapse on the first day.

"Before the match started New Zealand were $8 and they were certainly well supported. We were facing a sizeable loss on New Zealand so there are some people out there that have had a decent collect."

But all of the larger bets were placed on the Aussies when they were looking a sure thing to sweep the series.

"The biggest bet we had on Australia was $10,000 at $1.06. There was a $9,600 bet at $1.92, a $7,000 bet at $1.57, and a $7,000 bet at $1.45.

"It would have to be said that Australia were odds on for the large majority of the match and they certainly didn't attract the amount of support that we would usually expect.

"Something that was good for us was the first innings lead. We do that live, so obviously during our first innings when things weren't going so well and Australia got right into $1.03 for a first innings lead, we did take in a lot of money at that point."

Despite New Zealand's terrible record in Australia - yesterday's win was the Black Caps first against the Australians in Australia since 1985 - the TAB still receive a lot of bets for the Black Caps when the two countries collide, Mr Thomas said.

"There is still a core of people out there who do believe, or if they don't believe, they want something additional to cheer on."