The seasoned New Zealand fast bowler Trent Boult returns to the 50-overs international scene after a year’s absence. He has been named in the 15-man squad set to face England, signaling his return to competitive cricket following a “casual playing agreement” signed with New Zealand Cricket earlier this year.
Boult’s reintegration into the team has paved the way for his potential participation in India’s upcoming ODI World Cup, further enhancing New Zealand’s formidable bowling attack.
Trent Boult, 34, had been excluded from the New Zealand squad in the previous year after opting out of a central contract to participate in Australia’s lucrative Big Bash League. This hiatus, however, did not deter Boult’s resolve. With his “casual playing agreement,” he reaffirmed his commitment to representing his country at the highest level. His inclusion in the squad to face England highlights the significance of his role and the management’s confidence in his abilities.
Boult’s timely return places him on track to feature in the much-anticipated ODI World Cup scheduled for October in India. As one of the premier ODI bowlers in the world, with 187 wickets in 50-over cricket and an additional 74 wickets in Twenty20 matches for his nation, Boult’s skill and experience can be pivotal to New Zealand’s campaign in the tournament.
Accompanying Boult’s resurgence is the return of Kyle Jamieson, an emerging fast-bowling talent who has already left a significant impact with his Test performances. Having recovered from a back injury, Jamieson’s presence further fortifies New Zealand’s white-ball squad, presenting a well-rounded bowling attack that can challenge any opposition.
Gary Stead, the head coach of the New Zealand cricket team, expressed his excitement about welcoming Boult back into the ODI unit. Stead acknowledged Boult’s significance in the squad’s preparation for the World Cup and emphasized the importance of facing strong opponents like England in the lead-up to the tournament. The squad, led by batter Tom Latham, boasts an array of experienced players, including Test skipper Tim Southee, forming a balanced and potent lineup.
“England has been an impressive white ball side for quite some time and we’re excited to be taking them on at home on the eve of the World Cup,” he added.
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New Zealand’s upcoming fixtures are filled with significant encounters that will help gauge their preparedness for the impending World Cup. The team is scheduled to play four ODI internationals against England between September 8 and 15, which promises intense competition. Additionally, New Zealand is set to compete against the United Arab Emirates and England in T20 matches, followed by a three-game ODI series in Bangladesh at the end of September.
New Zealand ODI squad: Tom Latham (captain), Finn Allen, Trent Boult, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Will Young
