Trent Boult in line for World Cup 2023 selection despite snubbing NZC central contract

Pace bowler Trent Boult has played 99 ODIs for the New Zealand.

New Zealand pace bowler Trent Boult is still in contention for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 squad, despite declining the central contract. New Zealand coach Garry Stead has informed about Boult’s involvement in the upcoming World Cup. Boult played a vital role in New Zealand’s campaign in the previous edition in England in 2019. Trent Boult opted out of New Zealand's central contract last year to look for opportunities in various T20 leagues around the world. Boult is in a casual signing agreement with New Zealand Cricket whether he can still play for his national team in the big events or in the series he wishes to play. 

Trent Boult in line for selection

Talking about Boult’s presence in the team, NZ head coach Gary Stead said, “He is one of the best ODI bowlers in the World so barring injury, I think it’s highly likely he would be part of the squad. He has indicated he is available for the World Cup”. Boult has recently played for Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League. He didn’t look completely fit during the entire tournament and played 10 games out of 14. Boult played against Australia in ODIs and T20s and then T20 World Cup in Australia after he opted out of the NZC central contract. Though he was dropped from the home summer. 

ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 is scheduled in October-November this year in India. His partnership with Tim Southee will be crucial for the Kiwi team. NZ lost the 2019 final on a bizarre boundary count rule against England after the super over ended in a tie at The Lord’s. The last two World Cup editions have been superb for the nation as they played in the finals in both. Along with Trent Boult, all-rounder Jimmy Neesham also opted out of the central contract to focus more on T20 leagues. Neesham recently played in the Pakistan tour.