Black Caps allrounder James Franklin is adament the New Zealand batsman can cope with the pace of the Australian fast bowlers, despite the tourists comfortably winning the opening Twenty-20 cricket international in Wellington last night.
Franklin top scored with 43 in New Zealand's total of 118 which was well short of the 160 the home side was aiming for.
Australia knocked off the total with four overs to spare, after the fast bowling trio of Shaun Tait, Dirk Nannes and Mitchell Johnson took seven of the New Zealand wickets to fall.
But Franklin is confident the Black Caps can be competitive in game two in Christchurch on Sunday.
