Trent Boult, New Zealand’s celebrated pacer, is gearing up for a grand return. Soon, he’ll grace the fields in England’s upcoming tour and the 2023 ODI World Cup. Remember his last stint? It was during the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia. After that, he’s dazzled in several global T20 franchise leagues.
Interestingly, Boult shook the cricket community. He declined New Zealand Cricket’s central contract. Consequently, he isn’t always the automatic pick for bilateral series. However, in high-stakes games, like the ICC events, he’s a go-to.
In 2023, Boult dominated three leagues: International League T20 (ILT20), Indian Premier League (IPL), and Major League Cricket (MLC) in the USA. Especially in the MLC, he stole the limelight. With 23 wickets, he was the top bowler, leading MI New York to victory.
Joining the team for the ODI series against England, Boult expressed his emotions at Bay Oval. “Rejoining the squad feels great,” he shared. Reflecting on his departure from New Zealand’s cricket sphere, he said it was a challenging choice. For him, it wasn’t about choosing between national duty and franchises. Instead, it was about maximizing his time as a cricketer.
His dedication remains unwavering. “I’m as eager as ever to represent New Zealand,” Boult said, hinting at big plans for the next months. On being prodded about his post-World Cup plans, his response was heartwarming. “I’m a dad first and a lower-order all-rounder second.”
Trent Boult makes his Return to the International Cricket Arena
The squad sees another remarkable return. All-rounder Kyle Jamieson is back after a significant injury break. Simultaneously, there’s an air of anticipation about Kane Williamson. The top-notch batter’s ACL injury poses uncertainty for his World Cup participation.
Boult’s last ODI was against Australia in September 2022. Since his contract’s conclusion, T20s have been his mainstay. However, his passion for international cricket hasn’t waned. The ODI World Cup, a trophy that eluded New Zealand four years ago, is still in his sights.
Boult confessed, “The international game holds immense respect for me.” He continued, highlighting that for many budding cricketers, representing their nation is a dream. And in his view? “The ODI World Cup is still the pinnacle.” His focus now is crystal clear: “Lifting the trophy that slipped through our fingers four years ago.”
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The 2019 ODI World Cup final was a heartbreaker for New Zealand. In a match against England, both the main game and the Super Over ended in ties. Due to a higher boundary count, England triumphed.
Now, with Boult’s return and his evident hunger for victory, New Zealand looks forward to rewriting history. The upcoming tournaments promise intense cricketing action. And fans? They’re undoubtedly in for a treat.
