New Zealand swing ace Trent Boult is set to have a conversation with head coach Gary Stead later this week, where the two will discuss Boult’s future with the national team. Since he resigned from his central contract with the New Zealand cricket team, the left-arm seamer has regularly participated in franchise leagues around the world.
Trent Boult is more of an independent bowler from New Zealand who appears for them during ICC events. He has not featured in the Test team since 2022. His last ODI appearance was at Wankhede during the 2023 Cricket World Cup semi-final last year, while his last T2oI match was against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup semi-final. 2022. in Australia.
In April 2022, Boult appealed to the New Zealand Cricket Board for not handing him a central contract in the future and gave them two reasons. Firstly, he wanted to spend time with his wife Gert and his three children and, secondly, he wanted to appear regularly in domestic T20 leagues around the world.
Announcing his decision, the Rotorua-born pacer stated that it was a difficult decision for him and that he wants to represent his nation again, but he also knew that opting out of a central contract could make it difficult for him to break into the team.
“This has been a really difficult decision for me and I would like to thank the NZC for their support in getting me to this point. “Playing cricket for my country was a childhood dream and I am very proud of everything I have been able to achieve with the Black Caps over the last 12 years.”
Ultimately, this decision has to do with my wife Gert and our three young children. I still have a great desire to represent my country. However, I respect the fact that not having a national contract will affect my selection chances.” – said Trent Boult.
Gary Stead reveals he has been texting Trent Boult about possible return
As Trent Boult is currently taking part in the second edition of the International T20 League (ILT20) for MI Emirates, Gary Stead has revealed that he has been exchanging text messages with him. Stead also revealed they will sit down together later this week for a chat and hopes Boult will return for the national team.
“I was actually texting with him last Saturday. Trent and I are going to have a conversation this week about the future and what it will be like for him and where he fits in for us as well. We have yet to have them, but we will log on this week and work. It could be available but I’m not 100% sure,” said Stead.
The Kiwi head coach also stated that he has no plans for a Test return when New Zealand host South Africa for the second Test in February, but was hopeful about his return for the T20 World Cup later this year. Trent Boult was part of the Blackcaps team that defeated India in the WTC final in 2021 and has 602 international wickets to his name since debuting in 2011.