ENG vs NZ: Trent Boult Looking Unlikely For First Test Between New Zealand And England

New Zealand (NZ) look progressively improbable to play Trent Boult in the first test against England one week from now. Boult was essential for the Rajasthan Royals side which won the second qualifier and moved into the finals of the Indian Premier League on Saturday morning (NZ time) as New Zealand prepared for the test-series opener with one more valuable day’s play in their warm-up clash.

The IPL final between Boult’s Royals and the Gujarat Titans happens on Monday morning (NZ time), meaning Boult in reality would have no opportunity to get ready appropriately for the first test beginning at Lord’s on Thursday night (NZ time).

NZ All Prepared To Play Without Trent Boult

Notwithstanding, the visitors are all around put to adapt without their fourth-highest wicket-taker in the nation’s test history, with Tim Southee, Kyle Jamieson, Neil Wagner, Matt Henry, and spin bowler Ajaz Patel all competing for selection.

New Zealand completed day two of their game against a First-Class Counties Select XI side in Chelmsford leading by 115 runs with each of the 10 second-innings wickets in hand.

Patel took 3-32 from 16 overs as the hosts were excused for 247 in their first innings in answer to NZ’s 362-9.

Patel additionally added 36 not out off 30 balls to begin day two and shared a solid 64-run stand for the last wicket with Cam Fletcher, who made an unbeaten 50 after Matt Henry retired overnight on 65.

“It is part of the game I have been working on consciously because you can play a key role down the bottom there,” Patel said of his batting exploits.

“I know on the flip side it’s quite annoying when the tail wags.”

Ajaz Patel Out Of The NZ Squad Since The India Tour

The left-arm spinner, who took every one of the 10 wickets in India’s first innings of the second test last December and 14 wickets in the match, hasn’t played a Test for New Zealand since, not being chosen for any of the home tests against Bangladesh and South Africa.

He was content with his valuable return against the Counties Select XI, saying he was successful in finding some control and constructing some rhythm, as well as getting a useful turn.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson is supposed to get a bat for the guests in their second innings in his first appearance on visit in the wake of showing up this week following the birth of his second kid.

Also Read: Wriddhiman Saha Refuses To Play For Bengal In Ranji Knockouts