World Test Championship final: India will beat Blackcaps 'comfortably', says Australia captain Tim Paine

  • 15/06/2021

This week's World Test Championship Final between the Blackcaps and India won't be a competitive affair, according to Australian captain Tim Paine.

Paine believes India should be too strong for their Kiwi opponents in the inaugural showpiece, which begins in Southampton on Friday.

"My prediction is India will win pretty comfortably, if they play anywhere near their best," Paine tells cricket.com.au.

Paine thinks the Blackcaps were flattered by an under-strength England side in their recent 1-0 test series victory.

"I think New Zealand are a good team, for one, and secondly if we're being realistic, I think it's really different team that England put on the field to what we're probably going to see in the Ashes.

"Obviously, there were some key players in their side that did play and I think will play a key role, so you're always keeping an eye on that, but keeping it in perspective, it certainly wasn't England's strongest team.

"We know when they come here, they're going to get a Ben Stokes, they're going to have Jofra Archer, they're probably going to play a spinner, I would imagine, and a few other guys, particularly some all-rounders that really strengthen their depth both ways."

Paine says the Aussies won't read too much into England's performance against New Zealand, as they cast a distant eye to The Ashes, which starts in December.

"We know England are a better side than what they put up and regardless of how strong teams are, we know Ashes series are hard to win. We'll take a little bit from it, but don't read too much into it at the same time."

Join us from Friday, June 18 for live updates of the World Test Championship final between the Blackcaps and India