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Prior to the World Cup in India, Trent Boult said he
is “very happy” to be back playing international cricket. However, he
claimed that New Zealand Cricket (NZC) never provided him with any assurances
regarding his selection for the event when he secured a release from his core
contract last year.
In New Zealand’s loss to England at the Ageas Bowl on
Sunday, Boult earned his 100th ODI cap. He took 3 for 37 and was playing for
the first time since Pakistan in the T20 World Cup semifinals last year. The
tentative 15-man roster published by New Zealand for the 50-over World Cup
later that day contained his name.
“It was great to be back in familiar
surroundings,” Boult said ahead of Wednesday’s third ODI at The Oval.
“It was a very good feeling, chucking back on the black ODI kit – and on
the side, the individual milestone of 100 games added to that feeling as
well.”
“Your spot is never guaranteed, and the decision
was made over a year ago,” Boult said. “I decided to step aside and
fully appreciated that giving my contract back would open the door to other
players to come through. Selections were prioritised for the contracted 20
[players] in New Zealand and I fully appreciated that.
“The decision was solely made around time away…
with a young family, I couldn’t travel as much. It just became too hard. I
prioritised my time with them and gave myself a chance to play some cricket
around to world, to see what I could learn.
“Selection for the World Cup was never guaranteed
and I was never expecting it to be. I had to work for it and I’m very happy to
be here. I just hope I can add value and take the tournament very deep, like we
have in the last couple of attempts. I feel like we can really push this
tournament to the final stages and give it a good crack.”