Trent Boult released from New Zealand Cricket’s central contract to spend more time at home

Trent Boult
Trent Boult

The New Zealand Cricket board on Wednesday (10 August) announced that pacer Trent Boult has been released from the central contract. The decision was made after the speedster had put in a request multiple times. This will allow Boult to spend more time with his family and also be available for the domestic leagues across the globe.

However, this doesn’t necessarily mean the end of his international career. The left-handed bowler will be available for national team selection. But he will be given less preference as the board would like to prefer the contracted names over him.

Trent Boult, who made his international debut in 2011, has represent the The Kiwis in 78 Tests, 93 ODIs and 44 T20Is. In the process, he managed to pick up 317, 169 and 62 wickets respectively. It would not be a stretch to mention that he is one of the greatest fast bowlers ever from New Zealand.

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Family has always been the biggest motivator for me: Trent Boult

“This has been a really tough decision for me and I’d like to thank NZC for their support in getting to this point. Playing cricket for my country was a childhood dream and I’m so proud of everything I’ve been able to achieve with the BLACKCAPS over the past 12 years. Ultimately this decision is about my wife Gert and our three young boys. Family has always been the biggest motivator for me and I feel comfortable with putting it first and preparing ourselves for life after cricket,” Trent Boult was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

The 33-year-old pacer is aware that his decision will affect his chances of selection in the national team. However, he feels that he still possesses the skills to deliver on the big stages and it’s the right time for him to move into his next phase of life.

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“I still have a big desire to represent my country and feel I have the skills to deliver at the international level. However, I respect the fact that not having a national contract will affect my chances of selection. Having said that, as a fast bowler I know I have a limited career span and I feel the time is right to move into this next phase,” he added.

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