There is no home advantage anymore: Michael Bracewell

New Zealand's Michael Bracewell celebrates after scoring a half century during the T20 cricket international between New Zealand and India in Auckland, New Zealand, Friday, Oct. 30, 2026.

MUMBAI: New Zealand may have lost the T20I series 3-2 but victories in the final two matches have boosted their belief ahead of the five-match ODI series against India, which begins at Eden Park in Auckland on Wednesday.

Calling India and New Zealand evenly matched sides, New Zealand allrounder Michael Bracewell expects another fiercely-contested series."I think it's two really evenly matched teams. We had a great ODI series in India at the start of the year and were able to win that series 2-1. India will remember that series and want to right some wrongs. Whenever two top teams face each other, it's always going to be a tough battle.

"We're certainly not taking India lightly. They're a great side and have match-winners all over the park," Bracewell said during a virtual media interaction. The 35-year-old dismissed the notion that New Zealand would start as favourites simply because they are playing at home. "We like playing in our own conditions and are used to playing here in New Zealand. But international cricket now means everyone travels and plays around the world so much that home advantage is probably not as significant as it once was.

We're excited for a great series.," he said.(Watch the India-New Zealand ODI series, starting November 4 from 7.30 am IST, live on Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV.)