Former New Zealand cricketer Kyle Mills believes Australia have the edge over the Kiwis heading into the first Test in Perth.
Mills said Australia’s recent series domination with the pink ball against Pakistan will put New Zealand on the back foot but insists the players are mentally ready.
“Australia are in a great position having had that Test with the pink ball, New Zealand I think they’ve got three training sessions with the pink ball so they’re going to be a little underdone,” he said on SEN Breakfast.
“This is a series the guys have been keeping their eye on for some time.”
New Zealand won their recent home series against England and Mills said they believe they have a playing style that can stand up to Australia’s game.
“New Zealand’s style of cricket is they like to take the game deep into the fourth or fifth day,” he said.
“They wore England down over five days and got the result in the first Test.
“New Zealand’s biggest asset has been to swing the ball early and so if they can get the right conditions to do that, I’m sure they’ll head towards bowling first.”
Mills also praised New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson amid the recent media plaudits he’s been receiving.
“It feels like the rest of the world are just waking up to Kane,” he said.
“He’s a great player and he has great temperament as well. He’s a player we’ve known about for a long time over here.
“He’s scored 21 Test centuries now and he’s still a relatively young man as well with the burden of having to captain the side as well
“Kane is the big wicket of the opposition players.”
New Zealand hasn't defeated Australia in Perth since 1985.
Listen to Kyle's chat with SEN Breakfast below: