Former Aussie Pacer Jason Gillespie Reacts After Trent Boult's Release From New Zealand Contract

Trent Boult was recently released from New Zealand’s Central Contract list after he requested the board to release him so that he can spend some more time with his family. Boult made his international debut in 2012 and so far has picked up 549 international wickets. 

Boult’s release was made official on Wednesday by the New Zealand Cricket Board in a statement. This will allow him to spend more time with his young family and be available for domestic matches. 

Trent Boult Available For T20 World Cup 2022: New Zealand Cricket Chief Executive David White

“The change means Boult, who has taken 317 Test wickets, 169 ODI wickets, and 62 T20I wickets, will have a drastically reduced involvement with the BLACKCAPS during his final years in the game, while still being eligible for selection if and when available” read the statement from NZC. 

Meanwhile, New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White said that Trent Boult will be selected during T20 World Cup in Australia as the board will give priorities to centrally contracted players.

Former Australian pacer Jason Gillespie has reacted to Boult’s release saying that more players will look to prioritise their careers in the future keeping in mind their mental health and also their family. In a series of tweets, he spoke about the changing landscape of the game and the early retirement of players.

1/2 Whether we like/agree or not, the cricketing landscape has been changing for a while now. The absolute vast majority of players want to play for their country first and foremost. There will come a time however when priorities shift. A 33 yr old seamer https://t.co/586JJc6yIZ

— Jason Gillespie ? (@dizzy259) August 10, 2022

 “Whether we like/agree or not, the cricketing landscape has been changing for a while now. The absolute vast majority of players want to play for their country first and foremost. There will come a time however when priorities shift” Gillespie wrote in one of his tweets. 

2/2 wanting to maximise his earning potential whilst he has currency AND get to spend more time with his young family? Hard to argue with that imho.
We need to explore ways to make sure international cricket stays at the forefront of everyone’s thinking going forward. https://t.co/VDILQU1El9

— Jason Gillespie ? (@dizzy259) August 10, 2022

“A 33 yr old seamer wanting to maximise his earning potential whilst he has currency AND get to spend more time with his young family? Hard to argue with that imho. We need to explore ways to make sure international cricket stays at the forefront of everyone’s thinking going forward” he continued. 

Meanwhile, Boult is back in the national squad for the white-ball series against West Indies starting with the first T20I on August 10. Along with Boult, Kane Williamson and Tim Southee who were on a break from the game have also returned to the side. The Kiwis won the first T20I by 13 runs with Boult picking up 1 for 36.

Also Read: Former Kiwi Cricketer Ross Taylor Recalls Facing Racism From His New Zealand Teammates And Officials