IND vs AUS: Tim Paine mocks team India for series loss to New Zealand before Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Former Australian captain Tim Paine raised concerns about the Indian Test team following their recent loss to New Zealand in a three-match home series. Tim Paine stated that Team India has made too many errors and added that New Zealand has capitalized on them to secure the Test series win.

The Indian cricket team, led by Rohit Sharma, suffered its first home Test series loss in 12 years after suffering a defeat against New Zealand in the Pune Test. Notably, the Men in Blue's streak of 18 consecutive Test series came to an end. The hosts lost the first Test match by eight wickets in Bengaluru.

India Far Too Many Mistakes In The Series - Tim Paine

Speaking on The Grade Cricketer Podcast, Tim Paine admitted that New Zealand have been very good but questioned their overall strength. Paine said that India's mistakes throughout the series could be a concern as they prepare to tour Australia for five Tests without key player Mohammed Shami.

“No. They (New Zealand) are not very good. Is that harsh? Unbelievable performance, no doubt about that. But that makes me worry a little about India, totally honest,” Paine said on The Grade Cricketer Podcast.

"Coming to Australia, without Mohammed Shami as well, but New Zealand have always been an amazing team at scrapping and getting the best out of themselves if you make a mistake," said Paine.

"And I think, India made far too many mistakes in the series. New Zealand's catching was unbelievable, hats off to them but if they were to play Australia in Australia right now, is it going to go well for them? No," he added.

Australia Are Going To Start Pretty Strong Favourites - Tim Paine

The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series between India and Australia will start on November 22 in Perth. This series is crucial for both teams in the race for qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, which is scheduled to take place at Lord's Cricket Ground in London in June 2025.

Tim Paine said that Australia is the favourites for the five-match Test series against India. He pointed out that Australia's batting performance does not look amazing, but they have the quality to deliver results.

“Australia are going to start pretty strong favourites. I think India have not been playing pretty well, their batting looks a little brittle. So, Australia’s batting does not look amazing in terms of output, but we know they have got the quality,” Paine stated.

Mohammed Shami Is Going To Be A Huge Difference - Tim Paine

Tim Paine, who captained Australia during two home series losses to India, said that Mohammed Shami's absence will hurt the Rohit Sharma-led team. Paine stated that Bumrah will carry a heavy burden as the lead bowler, adding that India will be in trouble if he gets injured.

“Shami is going to be a huge difference, Bumrah, there is so much on his shoulders. If he gets hurt, then it’s curtains for me,” he added.

India's selectors have announced an 18-member squad for the upcoming series. Mohammed Shami is sidelined due to a knee injury. Jasprit Bumrah will lead the bowling unit, including Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Harshit Rana, and seam-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy.

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