Trent Boult opens up about the future of his Test career after giving up central contract

Days after withdrawing from New Zealand Cricket’s (NZC) central contract, fast bowler Trent Boult on Thursday, was named in the ODI squad for the upcoming Chappell-Hadlee ODI series against Australia.

Notably, upon Boult’s request to release him from the central contract, the NZC had agreed to his terms earlier this month and allowed the left-armer to spend more time with his family and feature in domestic leagues around the globe.

It was expected that Boult’s decision was going to ‘affect’ his selection, especially in the Test side, but the pacer is still hopeful that he hasn’t played his last match in the longest format yet.

New Zealand will travel to Pakistan in December 2022 and January 2023 for two Tests and then host England for a two-match red-ball series in February 2023, as well as Sri Lanka in March. However, Boult is likely to miss the Pakistan tour due to his commitments with the T20 leagues.

The 33-year-old is among the 12 players who have been given platinum status in Australia’s BBL draft, where he will get AU$340,000. The BBL, which starts on December 13, will run till January 25. Further, Boult has also signed up for the UAE-based ILT20 – which is expected to be played between January and February – where the left-arm seamer would be representing the MI Emirates.

“I hope not. I’m fully aware that with the decision I made to give that contract back, it’s going to affect that selection. I’m taking it almost week by week really. There’s a lot of cricket to be played before then. I know the next series is in Pakistan and then at my home ground [Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui] against England in the new year, but it’s too far away to tell. I’m going to leave that with New Zealand Cricket and respect their decision,” said Boult as quoted by Stuff.co.nz.

Boult also stated that he wants to represent New Zealand in the next ODI World Cup, slated to be held in India in 2023.

“I remember talking to Kane [Williamson] after 2019 at Lord’s [where England pipped New Zealand in the final] and saying we want to be there in four years’ time. It’s only a few months around the corner, and there’s a lot of hunger to try to have another crack at that trophy,” added Boult.