Boost for New Zealand as Trent Boult Returns to International Scene

Trent Boult is now in the headlines for all the right reasons after being selected in the squad for the matches against England. This is a big sign that the 34-year-old is likely to be in the squad for the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. The 15-man strong squad announced by New Zealand will be playing against England in four ODI games. The 34-year-old has not featured for New Zealand in an ODI game since September 2022. The World Cup is hardly a couple of months away. The 2023 edition will start on November 5 in India. New Zealand has received a major boost with the availability of Boult.

Another positive for the New Zealand team will be Kyle Jamieson coming back to the squad after recovering well from a back injury, which has hampered his game for a long time. Jamieson has not been in the ODI action since April 2022. His return to action will take place in the T20I game against UAE. The news is such a big deal for New Zealand that Indian bettors are already expecting big things out of the Kiwis at the World Cup 2023.

Boult’s T20 Performance

Boult has been part of various T20 leagues in recent years. He has been focusing more on the T20 league and his family time. This has resulted in a substantial reduction in the fast bowler’s career at international level. He was recently released from the New Zealand central contract. Since then, he has been part of the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL and MI New York. The latter were able to come out successful in their MLC campaign with Boult ending up as the leading wicket taker in the tournament.

New Zealand will be trying to get the best out of Boult from the series against England. This will be the ideal preparation for the World Cup in October. Interestingly, New Zealand was able to reach the finals – albeit finishing as runner-up – in the last two series when Boult was in the squad.

What does it mean for New Zealand’s chance in WC 2023

Even though Boult may have a short time left in the international game, the fast bowler admits that he is as hungry as ever to deliver on the big stage. Since going out of action in the international scene, New Zealand have played 35 games without Boult. Now, the various international experience gained from playing in IPL and MLC amongst other tournaments is likely beneficial for the 34-year-old in the latter stages of his career.

Boult is the most successful wicket taker for New Zealand in the ODI World Cup. He has picked up 39 wickets at an average of just 21.79 in the 2015 and 2019 editions. The presence of Boult along with Tim Southee makes for a formidable line-up in the bowling department for the Kiwis. The return of Boult comes as a piece of positive news for New Zealand, who have failed to keep hold of James Neesham. Neesham remains a possibility for the World Cup, but he will be unavailable for the ODIs against England due to personal commitments.

There has been some degree of criticism against Boult for choosing to embrace franchise cricket. However, he has defended the decision to join franchise cricket, which has grown in options in popularity over the last few years. Even then, he expects international cricket to remain a big part of the game.

Since making his debut in 2011, Boult has gone on to feature in 78 test matches, 99 ODI games, and 55 T20I matches for New Zealand. He has picked up 578 wickets across these three different formats. His career best of 7/34 was in the ODI format.

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