Trent Boult takes a U-Turn after opting to play as a Freelance player; T20 World Cup in sight

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead has hinted Trent Boult could return to the team for the upcoming T20I series against Australia. The left-arm pacer is a free agent and is currently plying his trade in the ongoing ILT20 in the United Arab Emirates.

The veteran fast-bowler last played for New Zealand in the ODI World Cup. He played in all 10 games in the World Cup for his team and finished the tournament as New Zealand’s second-highest wicket-taker. In 10 games, Trent Boult picked up 14 wickets as New Zealand’s campaign ended with a defeat to India in the semifinals.

Soon after the World Cup ended, he plied his trade for Deccan Gladiators in Abu Dhabi T10. At present, he is representing MI Emirates in the ILT20. And he could return to the New Zealand team soon when the Black Caps take on Australia in a three-match T20I series.

Gary Stead on Trent Boult’s availability:

New Zealand will play two Tests against South Africa at home welcoming Australia for three T20Is and two Tests. The T20I series will be New Zealand’s last T20I assignment before the T20 World Cup in June. And Trent Boult is in contention to play the series, scheduled to begin on February 21.

“I was texting with him last [Saturday] night actually,” Stead said. “Trent and I are going to have a conversation this week just around the future and what that looks like for him and where it fits for us as well. We’re still to have those, but we will connect this week and will work out. He could be available but I’m not 100% sure.

At the same time, Stead stated that Boult is unlikely to return to Test cricket for the series against South Africa, saying: “Again I will have a conversation with Trent but at the moment, I think probably not. It’s very hard to see how you come from a T20 diet back into Test consideration with no cricket before that.”

Boult has not played a T20I for New Zealand since 2022. His last T20I appearance came against Pakistan in the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia. The fast-bowler has played 55 T20Is so far, picking up a total of 74 wickets.