Not even retirement can stop Brad Haddin from sledging the New Zealand cricket team.
The fiery ex-wicketkeeper does not believe a resurgent Black Caps should be favourites for the trans-Tasman Test series because Australia holds a mental edge and "can break them a bit quicker than most".
But Haddin said he was curious to see how far a "nice" New Zealand had improved under captain Brendon McCullum since they last met in Australia's convincing World Cup final victory in March.
The Black Caps appear a united side ahead of the first Test starting in Brisbane on Thursday after going through their past seven series undefeated - a national record.
"So you'd think they would go in as slight favourites," Haddin told Sky Sports Radio.
"But we play our home conditions well, and for the Kiwis it's different playing against us.
"We know we have that mental edge and that we can break them a bit quicker than most teams.
"It will be interesting to see how far they have come under Brendon McCullum."
Haddin typified Australia's "in your face" approach at the World Cup, providing some memorable send-offs - most notably of opener Martin Guptill - in the final.
Since Haddin's post-Ashes retirement Australia have vowed not to change despite New Zealand launching a charm offensive.
Haddin had taken a swipe at the Black Caps over their "too nice" approach after the World Cup final but largely bit his tongue on Thursday.
Haddin even gave cricket's self confessed "Mr Nice Guys" a backhanded compliment, saying they would be the marquee series this summer with the underperforming West Indies also set to tour.
"They are a nice side aren't they?" Haddin said of New Zealand.
"(But) I think the New Zealand Test will be the marquee one because I don't think there will be much cricket worth watching when the West Indies come out."
Despite Haddin's retirement, New Zealand have claimed they expect more sledging from Australia in the trans-Tasman series.
And Australian captain Steve Smith and his deputy David Warner didn't deny it.
But Haddin surprisingly tried to play down any potential on-field dramas this summer.
"I think we get caught up in the sledging and whether it's nice or not," Haddin said.
"There will be a little bit of confrontation but no one will go out of their way to get into the face of the Kiwis - I think it will be a great contest."
Haddin backed Kiwi quicks Tim Southee and Trent Boult to fire but had a surprise pick for Black Caps batsman to watch.
"A lot is said about Brendon McCullum and Kane Williamson but one guy who has held their team together in the middle order is BJ Watling," he said.
"He is a real fighter. He is going to be a big wicket for Australia."
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