Australia test captain Tim Paine has apologised to New Zealand for writing the Black Caps off before their World Test Championship (WTC) triumph against India.
Paine had predicted India would “comfortably” beat Kane Williamson’s side in the WTC final, only to be ridiculed on social media after New Zealand completed an eight-wicket win in Southampton this week. read more
“We all get some wrong. I copped a bit from the Kiwi fans, so I thought I’d come on air and eat some humble pie,” Paine told New Zealand radio station Newstalk ZB.
“I thought the New Zealanders played outstandingly. It’s always a pleasure to watch the way they go about it.
“For such a small nation – I’m from Tasmania, which is obviously our smallest resource state and we punch above our weight – so I certainly respect what the Kiwis do on an international stage.”
Paine’s Australia were beaten 2-1 by a severely depleted India during the home summer, despite the tourists losing captain Virat Kohli after the first test and their entire first-choice pace attack to injury through the four-match series.
More Stories
Saka Double Against Palace Sends Arsenal Eight Points Clear
Doyle’s Late Strike Fires Sheffield United Into FA Cup Semis
France Still On Track For Home World Cup Despite losing Six Nations Title
Ronaldo Hands Team Mate Winning Penalty As Gesture Of Respect
Hamilton “At A Bit Of A Loss” With His Mercedes
Pundits Rail Against England Red Card
Ibrahimovic Becomes Oldest Scorer As Toothless Milan Lose At Udinese
Ireland In Bullish Mood After Grand Slam Win
Haaland Hits Second Hat-Trick Of Week As Man City Trounce Burnley
Hope’s Ton Lifts West Indies To Win Over South Africa In Second ODI
Imperious Ireland Beat England To Clinch Six Nations Grand Slam
Perez On Pole In Saudi Arabia As Verstappen Hits Trouble