New Zealand’s pathetic performance at the T20 World Cup has prompted Trent Boult to retire from international cricket.
He walked away from his 13-year international career, which ended in a lackluster manner playing against Papua New Guinea in a dead T20 World cup rubber game in Trinidad on Monday.
“It’s kind of odd,” said Boult (in AFP). “A few emotions definitely over the past couple of them.”
In admitting that the fixture with Papua New Guinea might have been his final match for his country, he nonetheless stated “I haven’t thought much further than this, I’m in no position to comment right now. I enjoyed being out there one last time.”
The 34 year old has made sporadic appearances for the national side since being released from central contract with New Zealand in August 2022 that allowed him to play more domestic T20 leagues overseas.
However, he was there for New Zealand’s campaign at the 50-over World Cup last year where they reached semi-finals only to be beaten by India who beat them by 70 runs at Wankhede Stadium Mumbai.
A record of 317 wickets from just 78 Test matches places Boult fourth on New Zealand’s list of most successful bowlers. The fast bowler has shared an evergreen bonding with Tim Southee (380 test wickets) both on and off field since arriving at the Kiwi shores years ago.
The Black Caps’ disappointing journey notwithstanding, Boult showed glimpses of brilliance as he took two wickets for fourteen against PNG who were bundled out for seventy-eight. His fellow seamer Lockie Ferguson also had a fine day claiming three wickets without conceding any run from four overs which is quite an achievement.
Reflecting back on his career, Boult expressed mixtures of pride and sorrow “Gutted to not go any further but I’m very proud of what I’ve done with the Black Caps and sad it’s my last day with New Zealand.”
New Zealand’s dreams of progressing into the Super Eights second phase were crushed by group C losses against Afghanistan and West Indies, who co-hosted the tournament. As for PNG, they were already eliminated prior to that one rendering Monday’s contest as not contributing to qualification of Super 8s.
Kane Williamson, captain of New Zealand has paid tribute to Boult saying “He has been a wonderful servant for the game and very consistent across all formats”
