IPL 2021: Trent Boult Returns To New Zealand; Likely To Miss England Tests

The New Zealand team will be without their spearhead pacer, Trent Boult, in the first match of the two-Test series against England which starts on June 2 at Lord’s as he returns back home after the IPL 2021 was suspended on Tuesday.

New Zealand will take on Joe Root’s side for 2 Tests and then will meet India in the final of the World Test Championship from June 18th in Southampton.

Kane Williamson, Kyle Jamieson, and Mitchell Santner, along with physio Tommy Simsek, will fly to England on May 11 as the UK government is expected to lift travel restrictions for non-British citizens from India.

However, Trent Boult, along with New Zealand trainer Chris Donaldson, who was with the Kolkata Knight Riders, will head back home on Friday from Delhi.

They will have to undergo a 14-day quarantine period, which will end on May 22, before they would be allowed to link up with their families. After spending about a week of personal time, both of them will then fly for England, where they would be expected to serve another quarantine, less strict though – before joining the Kiwi squad.

Trent Boult likely to miss both England Tests; Would be available for the WTC final

Trent Boult, who plays for the Mumbai Indians, is all but confirmed to miss the first Test, and maybe the second, too. But he will definitely be available by the time for the WTC final against Virat Kohli’s side, as confirmed by New Zealand Cricket (NZC).

An NZC statement said that the seamer would be back with the squad “possibly in time to be picked for the second Test against England but certainly in time for the ICC WTC final.”

“We’re completely supportive of Chris and Trent taking the opportunity to see their families before heading to the UK. They’ve always been the consummate professionals and we’re more than happy to accommodate these arrangements,” David White, the NZC chief executive, was quoted by ESPNcricinfo as saying.

“We’ve worked closely with the BCCI and the IPL franchises on the various departure strategies and we’re very appreciative of their support during what is, clearly, a very challenging time. Were also very grateful to the England and Wales Cricket Board for accommodating the early arrival of the four members of the Test squad currently in India,” White added.

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