New Zealand pacer Trent Boult says, 'this will be my last T20 World Cup'
NEW DELHI:Veteran pacer Trent Boult has announced that the ongoing T20 World Cup will be his last appearance for New Zealand in this prestigious tournament. Boult, who debuted in 2011, has been significant to the BlackCaps' success, being part of their golden generation and participating in multiple finals across all three cricket formats for his country. The left-arm pacer has also competed in four editions of the T20 World Cup since 2014.
"Speaking on behalf of myself, this will be my last T20 World Cup. That's all I have to say," Boult stated at the press conference following New Zealand's nine-wicket win over Uganda.
Boult's future with New Zealand cricket remains uncertain after he opted out of a central contract in 2022. He chose to focus on T20 franchise cricket globally.
New Zealand managed a big win against Uganda, but with one game left, they are already out of the race to the Super Eight. Afghanistan and West Indies have secured the two spots from Group C.
This means New Zealand's final group game against Papua New Guinea will be the 34-year-old's last T20 World Cup appearance.
"Definitely not the start we wanted in the tournament. A hard one to take. Just gutted we're not going any further. But any time you get to represent the country, it's a proud moment," Boult reflected.
New Zealand has consistently performed well in T20 World Cups, having reached the semi finals in every edition since 2014.
"There's a lot of pride in the dressing room and in playing for the country. We've had some great records over the years. Unfortunately, we've been off the ball the last couple of weeks, and that's what it takes to not qualify. It's unfortunate, but there's still some tremendous talent inside that dressing room and coming through the ranks in New Zealand cricket. We're a proud nation, and we'll continue to go that way," he added.
Boult also remarked on the tough conditions for batters in the tournament, which has witnessed only one score exceeding 200 so far.
"Yeah, it's been a challenge, there's no doubt about it. There have been some very low scores. I've played cricket all around the world recently and you encounter a lot of different conditions. It's always a challenge to adapt, but I think the balance has been far too much on the bowler's side. The wickets haven't been very good. It's been a good challenge for bat and ball, but it's interesting to see in a world tournament."
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