NZC
Boult set to return for New Zealand at ODI World Cup, says coach
|| CF DESK ||
New Zealand pacer Trent Boult will be available for the national team for part of the playing programme despite declining a central contract and therefore has been offered a casual playing agreement, confirmed by coach Gary Stead.
Boult and New Zealand agreed to a central contract release back in August last year, allowing the 33-year-old to play in various domestic leagues around the world and spend more time with his family.
Stead hopes Boult can resume his strike partnership alongside New Zealand Test captain Tim Southee at the 50-overs World Cup in India, which starts in October.
“Boult, while again declining a central contract, has committed to being available for the BlackCaps for part of the playing programme and, on that basis, has been offered a casual playing agreement,” New Zealand Cricket said in a release.
“We’re having positive conversations with Trent. He has indicated he’s available for the World Cup for us, said Stead.
"He's one of the best ODI bowlers in the world so barring injury, I think it's highly likely he would be part of our squad," he said.
Meanwhile, fast-bowler Adam Milne has been offered NZC central contract for the first time in five years.
Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, and Blair Tickner have been retained after joi'ing last year's list mid-season, replacing Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme and Martin Guptill - all of whom requested and were granted releases.