NZ under transition scrutiny after star speedster Trent Boult confirms retirement post T20 World Cup

Trent Boult (Pic: AFP)

Veteran pace bowler Trent Boult has affirmed that the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 marks his final campaign for New Zealand in this prestigious tournament. A cornerstone of the BlackCaps' illustrious era since his debut in 2011, Boult has been pivotal in guiding them to multiple finals across all formats. His tenure includes participation in four T20 World Cups starting from 2014.

Addressing reporters after New Zealand's comprehensive nine-wicket victory over Uganda, Boult expressed, "Speaking personally, this will be my last T20 World Cup. That's all I have to say." The 34-year-old's future involvement with New Zealand remains uncertain following his decision to forgo a central contract in 2022, opting instead for global T20 franchise engagements.

Despite the recent elimination from contention for the Super Eight stage, with Afghanistan and West Indies securing Group C's qualifying spots, Boult's final appearance in the T20 World Cup 2024 will be in New Zealand's upcoming match against Papua New Guinea. Reflecting on the team's tournament performance, he remarked, "It's definitely not the start we envisioned. It's tough to accept. Representing the country is always a source of immense pride."

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The confirmation that Boult will not play in another T20 World Cup highlights the future of New Zealand's ageing lineup. Only three players on this squad will be under the age of 30 when the club returns home. Only star batters Rachin Ravindra (24), Finn Allen (25) and all-rounder Glenn Phillips (27)

Boult and Tim Southee, the star pacer duo, have played influential roles in many campaigns for Blackcaps.

After taking two wickets in four overs against Uganda, Boult felt there would be limited opportunities for the two to play together in the future.

"I look at the partnership with Tim Southee with very fond memories. 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," he said.

(With agency inputs)