NZ chief selector expects Boult to play ODI World Cup

New Zealand chief selector Gavin Larsen has expressed his hope that pacer Trent Boult will lead Kiwis’ bowling attack at the 50-over World Cup in India later this year.

Boult, who was removed from Cricket New Zealand’s players’ central contract last year upon his request as he wanted to make himself available for the franchise leagues around the world, was not part of the New Zealand side during their recent tours to Pakistan and India.

Since New Zealand’s cricket body gives preference to the players within the contract for selection, Boult’s participation in cricket’s top event is under the clouds despite his desire to play the World Cup.

However, Larsen in his interview with SENZ Mornings, a popular New Zealand-based sports podcast, said: “The door is very much open,” adding that Boult is in constant talks with head coach Gary Stead.

“Gary and Trent talk on a regular basis. We all know Boulty’s pedigree, his experience and just what a great match-winner he is and has been over the years for us,” he told.

“We want him to be involved, we’d love him to be involved, we understand entirely his situation so we will keep working with him,” added New Zealand chief selector

“We’ve got a World Cup at the end of the year and I’ve got my fingers crossed that if the stars align that we’ll have a certain Trent Boult opening the bowling for us.”

The veteran pacer with his exceptional swing abilities is undoubtedly one of the most formidable bowlers of any format in the current era. He ranks third on the ICC ODI bowlers charts.

His absence left New Zealand’s bowling struggling in their recent tour of India where they lost both, ODI as well as T20I, series.

The 33-year-old last represented his national side at the 2023 T20 World Cup semifinal against Pakistan where he picked two wickets for 33 runs in the losing cause.

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