Pacer Trent Boult may have opted out of a central contract with New Zealand Cricket and gone into an uncertain path with his international future. However, in a recent media interaction the veteran left-arm pacer clarified this isn’t the end for him at the highest level, including Tests.
The 33-year-old understands that backing off from a full-time annual contract with NZC could affect his future selection, with the selectors likely preferring those committed to the national team all year long. The pacer, however, remains hopeful that his Test career for the Black Caps isn’t already over.
The Kiwis have an impressive line-up in Tests over the coming months, starting with a historic two-match visit to Pakistan in December-January. They then host England and Sri Lanka for respective two-Test series over the home summer, spanning February till March. The series against England features a much-awaited pink-ball D/N encounter in Mount Maunganui, Boult’s home.
The player, though, will miss the Pakistan series due to commitments in T20 leagues around the globe. One of the 12 players signed for the coming edition of the BBL, he has registered in the Platinum category among overseas stars, a deal that would see him fetch a sum of AU$340,000. The tournament begins on December 13 and runs till January 25.
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Soon as the BBL ends, Boult will board the flight to the Middle East and take the field for the MI Emirates franchise in the inaugural edition of the International League T20 in UAE. His individual schedule makes it impossible for Boult to undergo the Pakistan trip and also leaves him a doubtful participant for the home series versus England.
In Australia right now for the ODI series against the hosts, Boult was asked whether he has already played his last Test for New Zealand. To which, the bowler said he doesn’t want to bid adieu to Test cricket immediately but will respect NZC and selectors’ decision if they move past him given his personal circumstances.
“I hope not.”
”There’s a lot of cricket to be played before then. I know the next series is in Pakistan and then at my home ground [Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui] against England in the new year, but it’s too far away to tell. I’m going to leave that with New Zealand Cricket and respect their decision.”
Boult was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
When Boult sent a shockwave around the cricket world by taking an official leave from his central contract with the NZC, the board had said while they “respect” the cricketer’s move, they stand strong with the stance they will prefer contracted players going ahead and will be giving Boult’s name consideration on a case-by-case basis only.
In effect, the rest of Boult’s international career is set to center around New Zealand’s campaigns at the next two marquee ICC events. The left-arm pacer looks set to lead the New Zealand pace battery at the T20 World Cup in October-November in Australia and confirmed that he wants to have “another crack“ at the ODI World Cup trophy in India next winter.
“I remember talking to Kane [Williamson] after 2019 at Lord’s [where England pipped New Zealand in the final] and saying we want to be there in four years’ time. It’s only a few months around the corner and there’s a lot of hunger to try to have another crack at that trophy,”
said Boult.
The 33-year-old reiterated spending time with his young family while also maximising his pay-cheques in T20 leagues was a major factor behind his decision.
