Vaibhav Tripathi
Veteran New Zealand fast bowler, Trent Boult, who last participated in an ODI match against Australia at Cazaly’s Stadium in Cairns back in September 2022, remains motivated to don the national jersey again and contribute to New Zealand’s pursuit of the coveted 50-over World Cup trophy.
“It wasn’t an easy decision to make a year ago (when asked about giving up the NZC contract); to move away from the New Zealand Cricket bubble,” he said after joining the team in Tauranga.
“I never wanted it to be about New Zealand or franchise cricket; I just respected the fact that my career’s only so long and to try and make the most out of my remaining years as a bowler. I’m definitely still as hungry as ever to represent my country and hopefully do something special with the guys over the next couple of months,” he added.
Boult has been one of the star performers for New Zealand when it comes to in the 50-over World Cup. He has taken part in two editions of the ODI World Cup- 2015 and 2019. In the 2015 World Cup, he emerged as the second-highest wicket-taker, claiming 22 wickets in nine matches, while in 2019, he secured the fifth-highest wicket count with 17 wickets in ten matches. His performance ranks him as the eighth-highest wicket-taker in World Cup history and stands as the highest wicket-taker for New Zealand.
Notably, Boult also holds the distinction of being the first New Zealand bowler to achieve a World Cup hat trick, a feat he accomplished in 2019 against Australia at Lord’s.