The New Zealand cricket squad has become the first team to win the World Test Championship after defeating the Indian side in the finals which was played from June 18 to June 24 at Rose Bowl, Southampton. New Zealand won the rain-affected match by 8 wickets and Kyle Jamieson was adjudged as the player of the match for his superb bowling performance.
Most of the former cricketers and experts were of the opinion that the Kiwis had a better chance of winning the finals as they had played 2-match test series against England before the WTC final because of which they had better understanding of the English playing conditions. However, the Australian skipper Tim Paine felt otherwise and he predicted that team India would win the WTC final easily.
Tim Paine must have given this prediction based on the performance of the Indian team against Australia and England. While India defeated Australia in the test series by 2-1 in their own backyard (Australia), England was defeated by 3-1 by the Indian squad at home. After New Zealand won the match, fans of the Black Caps trolled Tim Paine and now the Aussie skipper has opened up on this matter as well as apologized to his fans from NZ.
While speaking in an interview, Tim Paine accepted that he had been on the receiving end of the Kiwi supporters for a little while now so he thought of coming on air and accept that he made a mistake. He applauded the Kiwi cricketers and said that they played in a wonderful manner. Tim Paine goes on to say that he respects what the New Zealand squad is doing at an international stage, especially because they are a very small nation.
Paine showers praises on the Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson and says that the New Zealand team has certainly performed pretty well under him. Tim Paine also lauds Kylie Jamieson, the young Kiwi pacer who troubles the batsmen as well because of his tall height.
Apart from these, Paine also heaped praises on Devon Conway, the South Africa-born New Zealand cricketer who opened the innings for his team and scored a half century in the first innings of the WTC final. Tim Paine says that Devon Conway has been performing well in all the formats for his team and getting a good start is always great for a team which has quality players like Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls etc.
There was only one match scheduled for the WTC final but many former cricketers demanded best of three-finals for deciding the winner. What is your take on this matter? Do let us know.