Boult: 'No need for four-day Test matches'

As New Zealand again dominated West Indies, Trent Boult dispelled the need for four-day Test matches.

Trent Boult does not believe the implementation of four-day matches in Test cricket is necessary.

Trent Boult does not believe the implementation of four-day matches in Test cricket is necessary.

The New Zealand seamer was instrumental as the Black Caps enjoyed a dominant second day of the second Test with West Indies, the first Test having been wrapped up inside four days.

Boult put on 61 for the 10th wicket with fellow tailender Tim Southee, scoring an unbeaten 37 that featured five fours and two sixes before New Zealand were bowled out for 373 in Hamilton.

He then took 2-67 in the ball in a Windies response that saw them wilt to 215-8, suggesting this will be another Test that will not go the distance.

South Africa and Zimbabwe will contest the inaugural four-day Test on December 26, with the International Cricket Council trialling the format until the 2019 World Cup.

But Boult, quoted by stuff.co.nz , said: "I love Test cricket, so I'd love to see it stay as it always has.

"In terms of shortening it to let it become more aggressive, I don't think there's any need. There's other formats for that sort of thing. You want to have an even competition or contest between bat and ball.

"There's some good wickets going around at the moment and the balls aren't moving, so that's what I'd love to see [a contest] — I wouldn't want it any shorter to encourage aggression."

New Zealand only need a draw to wrap up the two-match series and are in an ideal position to do just that.

Asked if the Windies had shown a lack of application with the bat, Boult replied: "I can't talk on behalf of their batsmen but I can tell you for free that they are probably not very happy with being eight down.

"That's Test cricket — you can put pressure on the best players in the world and they can fail. From our point of view, we are just trying to be as accurate as we can, build enough pressure."

On his batting performance, he added: "Believe it or not, I take a lot of pride in my batting. Any contribution, not just from myself but the lower order, is very pivotal.

"In terms of the game the first innings is the one where we want to go big and get as many on the board as we can. A combination of runs as well as keeping their bowlers and fielders out there.

"As a bowler you know when the tail comes out and gets a few away, hits a few boundaries, it can become very frustrating."