Don't think New Zealand have got the firepower to beat Australia - Tim Paine's sensational claim

Former wicketkeeper batter Tim Paine expressed confidence in Australia’s dominance over New Zealand in the forthcoming two-match Test series. However, Tim Paine cautioned against underestimating the Tim Southee-led team, especially in their home conditions.

The Pat Cummins-led team started their Test summer with a series against Pakistan on home soil. The Men in Yellow secured a 3-0 win against the Shan Masood-led side. They continued their dominance against the West Indies before suffering a loss at the Gabba.

We’ll Be Too Strong For New Zealand – Tim Paine

Tim Paine emphasized Australia’s overall superiority but acknowledged New Zealand’s ability to capitalize on any opportunity. Paine emphasized the need to remain vigilant against the Kiwis’ persistent challenge.

“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,” he added.

Pat Cummins will lead the national team in the upcoming Test series in New Zealand. Matthew Renshaw retained his place in the squad while Michael Neser earned a call-up to the team. Neser will be a backup pacer in the series alongside Scott Boland for Australia.

It Gets Really Flat And Slow To Bat – Tim Paine

Tim Paine acknowledged New Zealand’s advantage in home conditions but suggested that green wickets, may seem daunting at first but often play better than expected, becoming flat and slow for batting by Days 4 and 5.

“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, Neil Wagner, and William O’Rourke have been part of the New Zealand squad for the upcoming series. Meanwhile, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins are likely to start for the visitors during the series opener in Wellington.

Would Have Been Great To Watch – Tim Paine

Tim Paine anticipated that New Zealand might struggle to pose significant challenges to the Australian team. Paine highlighted the absence of high-speed fast bowlers like Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne, and Ben Sears in the Test squad.

“It would have been great to watch the three guys that have just played in the T20s in Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne and Ben Sears all bowling high 140km/h. You can tell when guys are bowling that quick, even the very best players were hopping around for Australia, but not one of them is in the Test squad,” Paine said.

The first Test match between Australia and New Zealand is scheduled to be played at the Basin Reserve in Wellington from February 29 to March 04. The second and final match will be held at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch, starting on March 08.

Also read: Tim Paine fires shots at Adam Gilchrist, Ricky Ponting for celebrating West Indies’ Gabba win over Australia