Trent Boult pulled out of a New Zealand cricket contract last year.©AFP
Seamer Trent Boult could return to New Zealand at the ODI World Cup later this year despite not having a national contract, Black Caps coach Gary Stead said on Thursday. Boult retired from a New Zealand cricket contract last year, allowing him to play in Australia’s lucrative Big Bash League. He was not on the list of players who were offered a central deal on Thursday, but instead signed a “casual playing agreement”, according to New Zealand Cricket. Stead hopes Boult can resume his strike partnership alongside New Zealand test captain Tim Southee at the 50-overs World Cup in India, which starts in October.
“We have positive talks with Trent, he has indicated he is available for the World Cup,” Stead told reporters.
“From our perspective he is one of the best ODI bowlers in the world, so injury aside I think it is very likely that he will be part of our team.”
Boult, 33, is one of the world’s top ODI bowlers with 187 wickets at that level and a further 74 for his country in Twenty20 cricket.
After being released from his central contract last year, Boult was omitted from New Zealand’s squad for this year’s home test series with England and the 2-0 win over Sri Lanka, despite playing for the Black Caps at the Twenty20 World Cup Cup 2022.
Stead said Boult, who has taken 317 Test wickets, could still return to the Black Caps five-day side for next year’s home series against South Africa and then Australia.
“That’s still being discussed at this point. Trent has other leagues he’s committed to, so we’re just working on that and what exactly it will mean,” added Stead.
“He has indicated that he is ready to play.”
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