In a significant announcement, Trent Boult, the seasoned New Zealand pacer, has confirmed that the ongoing T20 World Cup will mark his final appearance in this prestigious tournament.
“Speaking on behalf of myself, this will be my last T20 World Cup,” Boult told the media after taking a tone-setting 2 for 7 in what was essentially a dead rubber against Uganda.
Trent Boult’s impressive record in T20 WCs
Boult’s T20 World Cup journey has been remarkable. Across 17 matches, he has scalped an impressive 32 wickets with an economy rate of 6.07, placing him second among the tournament’s all-time top wicket-takers. His lethal swing bowling and ability to strike early have left an indelible mark.
At 34 years old, Boult has been a sporadic presence in New Zealand’s international sides since his release from the central contract nearly two years ago. His decision to step away from T20 World Cups may also signal the end of his participation in ODI World Cups, as the next T20 World Cup is scheduled for 2026, while the next ODI World Cup is a year later.
Boult’s departure brings into focus New Zealand’s transition. Only three players in the current squad will be below 30 years of age when they return home. The team, which has consistently made the semi-finals of both ODI and T20 World Cups since 2015, faces the challenge of rejuvenating its lineup.
Boult reminisces about his partnership with fellow quick, Tim Southee. They bowled countless overs together, forming a formidable duo. Boult’s words echo the sentiment of fans who have witnessed their exploits on and off the field. While the memories remain, Boult acknowledges that limited opportunities lie ahead for them to play together.
“I look at the partnership with Tim with very fond memories,” he said. “We bowled a lot of overs together. I know the partnership very well, and obviously, he’s a very good friend on and off the ground. It was nice to wind back the clock a little bit and see a bit of swing bowling at the top. Some great memories, and hopefully a couple more still to come.”
🚨 New Zealand star Trent Boult confirms that this will be his final T20 World Cup. pic.twitter.com/UNRIQJVQmb
— CricketGully (@thecricketgully) June 15, 2024
Although New Zealand didn’t progress beyond the group stage in this T20 World Cup, Boult still has one final match against Papua New Guinea. As he dons the black jersey for the last time in this format, cricket enthusiasts salute his contributions and eagerly await the emergence of new talents to fill his shoes.
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