World-class fast bowler Trent Boult was on Wednesday released from his central contract with New Zealand Cricket (NZC) at his own request to spend less time traveling and more time at home with his family. The 33-year-old, who has played 70 Tests and 137 limited-overs internationals since 2011, will continue to play for his country but will have a “significantly limited role”, the NZC said. “It’s been a really tough decision for me… playing cricket for my country has been a childhood dream and I’m so proud of everything I’ve been able to achieve,” Boult said in an NZC statement.
“Ultimately, this decision affects my wife Gert and our three young boys. Family has always been my biggest motivation and I feel good about putting it first as we prepare for life after cricket.” Boult and Tim Southee have been one of the most feared strike partnerships in international cricket over the past decade, helping New Zealand to their inaugural World Test title last year and the finals of the last two 50-over World Cups. The left-arm speedster took 317 Test wickets, 169 in ODIs and another 62 in T20s.
Boult will make himself available for the domestic leagues, he told the NZC, admitting his decision will have an impact on his international career. “I still have a great desire to represent my country and I feel I have the skills to do it at international level,” added Boult.“However, I respect the fact that not having a national contract will affect my chances of selection. While top cricketers have always spent a lot of time away from home, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has meant longer spells in more demanding conditions over the past few years. “We respect Trent’s position,” said NZC chief executive David White. He has been completely honest and open with us about his reasoning and while we are sad to lose him as a fully contracted player, he leaves with our best wishes and our sincere thanks.”
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