Tim Paine Apologizes To New Zealand For His Prediction Of India Winning The WTC Final ‘Pretty Comfortably’

Australia Test captain Tim Paine has apologized to the New Zealand Cricket Team for his prediction of India winning the World Test Championship (WTC) final quite comfortably. New Zealand recently beat India by 8 wickets in the WTC final to become the first-ever World Test Champions.

The No.1 ranked Test team New Zealand, faced the No.2 ranked Test team India at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton and despite losing two days to rain and constant interruptions with rain and light, the Kane Williamson-led side defeated the Virat Kohli-led India by 8 wickets in 3 and a half days time.

We All Get Some Wrong, So Why Not Come On Air And Eat A Bit Of Humble Pie: Tim Paine

India had defeated Tim Paine’s Australia 2-1 in what has been named ESPNCricinfo’s greatest Test series of all-time in their own backyard and then beat England 3-1 in India to qualify for the WTC final. New Zealand, on the other hand, was the first team to qualify for the final, after playing almost all their matches at home.

Paine had predicted after New Zealand’s series win against England that India were still favorites to win the WTC final, telling Cricket.com.au that they would do it “pretty comfortably if they play anywhere near their best”.

“We all get some wrong. I’ve got some from the Kiwi fans. So I thought when I got the opportunity, why not come on air and eat a bit of humble pie? I thought the New Zealanders played outstandingly,” Paine said while speaking on Sportstalk, a New Zealand radio show.

Although Australia beat New Zealand 3-0 in the WTC cycle, Paine felt the Blackcaps side were a much-improved unit going into the WTC final against India, especially with talents like Kyle Jamieson and Devon Conway.

“I think it’s always a pleasure to watch them go about it. They are such a small nation, I am pretty similar in that I play state cricket here in Tasmania, which is obviously our smallest resource. We punch above our weight, so I certainly respect what the Kiwis do on an international stage.

They have done terrifically well under Kane [Williamson] and obviously, they have improved since we played them a year and a half ago. They have added Kyle Jamieson, who on day five or day six was outstanding and they called the opening batter Devon Conway into the side as well. They keep finding these really good cricketers,” Paine further praised the Kiwis.

Tim Paine will next be seen in action when Australia hosts England for the Ashes 2021-22 later this year.

Also Read: BREAKING: T20 World Cup 2021 Likely To Be Played In UAE From October 17; Final On November 14- Report