Trent Boult hopes to continue playing Tests despite opting out of New Zealand contract

Aware that not having a central contract would affect his chances of national selection, the left-arm seamer hopes the Leeds Test against England in July would not prove to be his last.

Published : Aug 25, 2022 17:40 IST

Trent Boult....”I’m taking it almost week by week really.”
Trent Boult....”I’m taking it almost week by week really.” | Photo Credit: Reuters
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Trent Boult....”I’m taking it almost week by week really.” | Photo Credit: Reuters

Trent Boult has not given up hope of playing Test cricket again despite declining a central contract with New Zealand Cricket (NZC). negotiated a “significantly reduced role” with the Black Caps citing the need to spend time with his family.

The left-arm seamer negotiated a “significantly reduced role” with the Black Caps citing the need to spend time with his family. But he remains open to stints in Twenty20 leagues. Aware that not having a central contract would affect his chances of national selection, Boult hopes the Leeds Test against England in July would not prove to be his last.

“I hope not,” said the seamer, who was picked for the three-match Chappell-Hadlee one-day international series in Australia beginning on Sunday.

“I’m fully aware that with the decision I made to give that contract back, it’s going to affect that selection. I’m taking it almost week by week really. I know the next series is in Pakistan and then at my home ground 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.”

The paceman, who was part of the New Zealand squads that finished runners-up in the last two editions of the 50-over World Cup, wanted to have another shot at winning one-day cricket’s biggest title in India next year. “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.”

Boult reiterated that he gave up his central contract primarily to spend more time with family. “I’ve got three young boys that only see dad for eight weeks a year at the current moment. If I don’t play any international cricket — obviously I still want to — then that might be a couple of leagues a year and 10 months at home rather than the other way around.”

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