India ‘too strong for Kiwis’

FORMER Australia pace spearhead Brett Lee feels India will be too strong a challenge for New Zealand when the two sides lock horns in the upcoming three-match Test cricket rubber, starting with the first match tomorrow (Thursday) in Kanpur.

Hailing India’s Test side as “well-balanced”, the 39-year-old said India seriously looks to be the superior side on paper with a strong batting line-up.

“I think India will be too strong for New Zealand. India has got a lot of options in the batting order.

“It’s a power-packed one, you got Shikhar (Dhawan) putting his hand up after losing his opportunity,” Lee told IANS on the sidelines of a panel discussion on the India-New Zealand series also featuring former India greats Kapil Dev and V.V.S. Laxman.

“They got a serious bowling line-up as well. I think they are a well-balanced side.”

500th Test

The cricketer-turned-commentator also congratulated India, who will feature in their 500th Test, when the Virat Kohli-led side takes on the Kiwis in the first match at the Green Park stadium.

“It’s a great honour for India to play 500 Test matches. It’s going to be terrific series featuring three Test matches against New Zealand.

I feel it’s really going to be an exciting one,” he said.