Gary Stead says home advantage has faded ahead of India tour

India’s all-format tour of New Zealand begins on Thursday, arriving at a moment when the traditional comfort of playing at home is being questioned across international cricket. The two Test matches carry weight for both sides in the World Test Championship race.

Gary Stead, the 54-year-old New Zealander who is now head coach of Andhra, has recent experience of beating India. He was in charge when New Zealand won the ICC World Test Championship in 2021, and again when Tom Latham’s side inflicted a 3-0 series defeat on India at home in 2024, India’s first Test series loss in its own country since 2012.

Stead, speaking during Andhra’s Ranji Trophy opener against Karnataka last week, said the balance between home and away sides has shifted. He noted that India now possesses quality seamers, just as New Zealand once relied on quality spinners when touring India.

He added that everyone has shown competence to beat everyone else. Stead expects the series to be decided by the two batting units, pointing out that Hagley Oval in Christchurch and Wellington traditionally offer bounce and carry. He said that if India can nullify New Zealand’s bowlers, it should be a cracking series.

Looking beyond New Zealand, Stead noted that India faces six huge Tests, including a trip to Australia. He said any side wanting to be judged against the best must compete against the best. He also said the ICC should consider more multi-format tours, similar to the women’s Ashes, rather than teams arriving and departing quickly.

India’s previous all-format tour was to South Africa from December 2023 to January 2024.

Sources

• Sportstar

• The Hindu

• Photo: Nikhilb239, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)