New Zealand fast bowler Trent Boult marks his return to international cricket with the upcoming England tour and the upcoming 2023 ODI World Cup. He was last seen in the national colors during the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, since then he has been competing in several T20 franchise leagues across the globe. Trent Boult controversially declined a central contract from New Zealand Cricket, which does not make him the first-choice candidate in bilateral series. However, he continues to represent the Kiwi team in important matches such as ICC (Indian Cricket Council) events.
In 2023, he participated in The International League T20, The Indian Premier League (IPL), and The Major League Cricket (MLC) in the USA. He was the leading wicket-taker bowler in the inaugural edition of The Major League Cricket with 23 wickets as the MI New York won the title. After being named in the 15-man team for the four-match ODI series against England starting on August 30, Boult joined the team for training at the Bay Oval.
He said:
“Nice to be back involved and just excited, really. It wasn’t an easy decision to make just over a year ago to move away from the New Zealand cricket bubble, in a way. I never wanted it to be about New Zealand or franchise cricket, I just respected the fact that my career’s so long and just tried to make the most out of my remaining years as a bowler,”.
Boult Added:
“I’m definitely as hungry as ever to represent the country and hopefully do something special with the guys over the next couple of months,”.
When asked whether he would continue as a freelance T20 cricketer after the World Cup or return to New Zealand cricket with a central contract, Trent Boult replied,
“I don’t know, I’m a dad first and a lower-order all-rounder second.”
Apart from Boult, all-rounder Kyle Jamieson also making a comeback to competitive cricket after a long injury layoff. The Kiwis are also keenly watching Kane Williamson’s recovery from his ACL injury. The veteran batsman is currently doubtful to play in the World Cup 2023.
“I Still Have A Lot Of Respect For The International Game” – Trent Boult
The left-arm pace bowler’s last ODI appearance came during the ODI series against Australia in September 2022. He has played the shortest format extensively since being dropped from the central contract list. Trent Boult says he still has the hunger to play international cricket, especially to win the ODI World Cup title which New Zealand lost four years ago.
Trent Boult Explain:
“I still respect the international game immensely and it plays a big role in any kid trying to come through and play cricket as a dream and the ODI World Cup is still the pinnacle in my opinion.. I’m just thinking about lifting something pretty shiny that we were pretty close to four years ago so that’s the focus,”
New Zealand lost to England in the 2019 ODI World Cup final after a tied match followed by a tied Super Over. Eoin Morgan & team were champions because of their higher boundary count.
