New Zealand veteran left-arm pacer Trent Boult is back in his national cricket team for the England tour. New Zealand announced their squad for the England tour where they will be playing 4 ODI matches and Boult has been included in the list.
Despite not holding a national contract with the New Zealand team, Trent Boult is set to participate in the 2023 ODI World Cup. Boult’s last ODI appearance for New Zealand was in September 2022. In the preceding August, he had requested release from the central contract, aiming to have the flexibility to participate in T20 leagues worldwide without conflicting national commitments.
In the current year, Trent Boult has actively contributed to cricketing events, representing the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2023 and playing a pivotal role in MI New York’s triumphant MLC 2023 campaign in the USA. Notably, he emerged as the leading wicket-taker in the latter tournament.
Having been a crucial component of the New Zealand side that reached the finals of both the 2015 and 2019 World Cups, the left-arm seamer’s expertise is undeniable. Across 19 matches in these two ODI World Cups, Boult claimed an impressive 39 wickets at an average of 21.
Joining the returning Boult is the lanky pacer Kyle Jamieson, who has also been absent from ODI cricket for nearly a year due to multiple back injuries.
With Kane Williamson undergoing recovery for a leg injury, Tom Latham will continue to lead New Zealand in the ODIs. Although Williamson’s return is gradually progressing, the team is not rushing his comeback. There remains optimism that he could potentially be part of the 2023 World Cup, with his rehabilitation continuing during the England tour.
“It’s also great to welcome Trent back into our ODI unit as he begins his preparation towards the World Cup in India. It’s always been our plan in talking with Trent, along with a whole lot of other people around what their plan looks like for each individual, and Trent and I have talked that this is the right build-up for him as we lead towards that World Cup. We’re still trying to be adaptable and flexible to what those players’ needs are and we certainly haven’t closed the door on anyone and this is a good example of Trent coming back and being part of our squad as we build up to the pinnacle event.” New Zealand’s Head Coach Gary Stead said.
New Zealand ODI squad for England series: Tom Latham (c), Finn Allen, Henry Nicholls, Trent Boult, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Will Young, Glenn Phillips, Lockie Ferguson
