<p>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.</p>.<p>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.</p>.<p>"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.</p>.<p>"I thought the New Zealanders played outstandingly. It's always a pleasure to watch the way they go about it.</p>.<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/dh-galleries/photos/new-zealand-lifts-world-test-championship-trophy-after-beating-india-by-8-wickets-1000903" target="_blank">New Zealand lifts World Test Championship trophy after beating India by 8 wickets</a></strong></p>.<p>"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."</p>.<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>.<p>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.</p>.<p>"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.</p>.<p>"I thought the New Zealanders played outstandingly. It's always a pleasure to watch the way they go about it.</p>.<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/dh-galleries/photos/new-zealand-lifts-world-test-championship-trophy-after-beating-india-by-8-wickets-1000903" target="_blank">New Zealand lifts World Test Championship trophy after beating India by 8 wickets</a></strong></p>.<p>"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."</p>.<p>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.</p>