BAN vs NZ: "Certainly Really Enjoying Trent Boult Back Within The Group" - Lockie Ferguson Ahead Of 1st ODI vs Bangladesh
Published - 21 Sep 2023, 12:00 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:19 AM
New Zealand interim captain Lockie Ferguson expressed his delight to have left-arm pacer Trent Boult in the team before the much-awaited ODI World Cup 2023. Lockie Ferguson emphasized Trent Boult’s ability to excel under pressure in challenging conditions.
Trent Boult opted out of the central contract in September last year, citing his desire to spend more time with his family. The pacer made his ODI comeback against England after a year-long hiatus. He picked up 8 wickets in two matches at an impressive average of 11.
Trent Boult Was Exceptional In England – Lockie Ferguson
Speaking ahead of the first ODI match against Bangladesh, Lockie Ferguson emphasized Trent Boult‘s wealth of experience and exceptional performance during their recent stint in England.
“Clearly a guy with a lot of experience (Boult) and certainly really enjoying him back within the group. Straightaway in England, he came in and he was exceptional. It was challenging to bowl quick. The scores were high in England and his expertise and calmness under pressure was irreplaceable,” Ferguson told reporters.
Ferguson will lead the Black Caps in the three-match ODI series, with the first match scheduled to be played at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka on Thursday, September 21.
Trent Boult’s Gonna Have A Bigger Leadership Role – Lockie Ferguson
Lockie Ferguson said that Trent Boult will be a valuable asset for the team, especially his ability to swing the ball. Lockie also mentioned that Boult will play a crucial role in assisting him with leadership duties in the absence of Tim Southee.
“So I guess without Tim (Southee) and Matt Henry, Boult’s gonna have a bigger leadership role as he always does. But he’s certainly a gem for us and I certainly enjoy playing alongside and, you know, I’m sure if it’s swinging tomorrow, he’s one of the guys who’ll get some swing out of it,” he said.
Tim Southee sustained an injury during the fourth and final ODI against England at Lord’s. The right-arm pacer will undergo surgery on his right thumb, and his participation in the World Cup will be decided after the results of the surgery.
Also read: ENG vs NZ: Trent Boult Creates History, Breaks Richard Hadlee’s Long-Standing Record
