New Zealand pacemaker Trent Boult has declared his intention to represent the national team at the ODI World Cup in India later this year. He feels that New Zealand have been one of the best limited overs teams for a long time and it is time to prove it at ICC events.
The Kiwis have been consistent in the last three ICC tournaments, reaching the final in two of them but losing both summit meetings. They have also finished runners-up in the last two ODI World Cups and will be eager to clear the final hurdle this year.
Boult, who has not signed a core contract with New Zealand Cricket (NZC), said he is still looking forward to representing the Kiwis and lifting the ODI World Cup keeps him motivated. The Times of India quoted him as saying:
“The desire is still burning and I want to get back under the Black Cap. There’s a World Cup just around the corner that I’m really looking forward to getting the chance to lift. We’ve been so close in the cue ball formats for so many years
“There are unfinished business and we would like to go very deep in this World Cup. I still have the desire to play international cricket for many years.”
Asked if he would rather bowl his Rajasthan Royals (RR) teammate Jos Buttler at the nets or in a World Cup match, the 33-year-old said the Englishman has an advantage over him. . Boullt explained:
“He doesn’t really face me on the net. When he comes to World Cups, he usually cheers me on. I would love to have him on the net a couple of times to gain confidence. I’m not the right guy for the rivalry.” stories. There is a bit of banter between the New Zealanders and the Australians. Here at RR, we only have one Aussie in Adam Zampa, which could be too many.”
New Zealand’s chances at the 2023 ODI World Cup were hit hard following the injury to Kane Williamson. The ace batsman suffered a knee injury while playing for the Gujarat Titans (GT) in their 2023 IPL and is likely to miss the ICC event later this year.
“I don’t remember when I tried to sleigh anybody” – Trent Boult
Commenting on New Zealand getting the tag of ‘nice guys’, Boult admitted he enjoys it as he has always believed in letting the ball do the talking. He stated:
“It’s a good etiquette to have. I don’t remember when I tried to hit someone or intimidate someone with the ball in my hand. My dad always taught me to talk to the ball and I followed that philosophy. In any case, you will receive a smile or a wink from me.”
The ODI World Cup 2023 matches have yet to be announced. This will be the first time that an ODI World Cup will be entirely hosted by India.