Tim Paine, the former captain, and wicketkeeper-batsman of Australia, has voiced his belief in Australia’s ability to assert dominance over New Zealand in the upcoming two-match Test series.
Tim Paine emphasized the importance of not underestimating the team led by Tim Southee, especially when playing in their home conditions.
The Test summer for the team led by Pat Cummins began with a series against Pakistan on their home turf. The Australian team, captained by Cummins, clinched a convincing 3-0 victory against Shan Masood’s side. They carried forward their strong performance against the West Indies before facing a setback with a loss at the Gabba.
“I’m expecting we’ll be too strong for New Zealand. I think as always though, if you give New Zealand a sniff, they will take it, they’ll be thereabouts,” Paine told SEN Tassie.
“I don’t think they’ve got the firepower with the bat or the ball to beat us. But if we slip up, they’re sort of always nipping at your heels the Kiwis. I think, man for man, we’ve got them covered,” Paine added.
Pat Cummins is set to captain the national team during the upcoming Test series in New Zealand. Matthew Renshaw has managed to secure his spot in the squad, while Michael Neser has received a well-deserved call-up to join the team. Neser will serve as a backup pace bowler in the series, along with Scott Boland, for Australia.
“New Zealand are certainly a bit better in their home conditions. What you get and what you see a lot is a lot like what we see at Bellerive. On Day 1, you’ll turn it on and go, ‘Jeez, that’s green’. But it plays a lot better than what it actually looks. It gets really flat and slow to bat on Days 4 and 5,” Paine further stated.
Matt Henry, Tim Southee and William O’Rourke have been included in the New Zealand squad for the upcoming series. In contrast, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins are expected to feature in the starting lineup for the visiting team in the series opener in Wellington.
The Basin Reserve in Wellington is set to host the first Test match between Australia and New Zealand, taking place from February 29 to March 04. Subsequently, the second and final match is slated for March 08 at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
