WELLINGTON: Trent Boult’s inclusion in the New Zealand squad for a portion of the upcoming Twenty20 series against Australia signals his continued contention for a spot in the World Cup this June.
Boult, who has intermittently represented his country in limited overs cricket since stepping away from a central contract with New Zealand Cricket in 2022, is set to feature in the second and final matches of the series.
This arrangement affords his long-time bowling partner, Tim Southee, a break following the initial match in Wellington on Feb. 21, before he leads the Black Caps in two home tests versus Australia.
Coach Gary Stead affirmed Boult’s aspirations to participate in the T20 World Cup, stating, “Trent’s got goals and ambitions to still be part of the T20 World Cup squad.” The absence of Kane Williamson due to paternity leave and Daryl Mitchell due to a foot injury will weaken New Zealand’s batting lineup for the T20 series, although both are expected to return for the test matches.
This void has led to the selection of uncapped players Josh Clarkson and Rachin Ravindra, with selector Sam Wells expressing confidence in their abilities. The series’ second and third matches will be held at Auckland’s Eden Park on Feb. 23 and 25.
Squad: Mitchell Santner (captain), Finn Allen, Trent Boult, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Adam Milne, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee.
