New Zealand has named fast bowler Trent Boult in their 15-man squad for the upcoming four-match One Day International series against England in September. This will mark Boult’s return to ODI cricket after almost a year as he aims to prepare for the upcoming World Cup. Boult had declined a national contract last year and had not played in the format since September 2020 when New Zealand suffered a 3-0 series defeat to Australia.
The 34-year-old left-arm pacer will have the opportunity to overcome any rustiness during the series against England, which begins on September 8th in Cardiff. Boult is expected to play a crucial role for New Zealand in the World Cup, which will take place in India. Also included in the squad is fellow quick Kyle Jamieson, who has recovered from back surgery.
New Zealand coach Gary Stead expressed his pleasure at Boult and Jamieson’s inclusion in the squad. He praised Jamieson’s hard work during his rehabilitation following surgery and stated that they were looking forward to seeing him perform on the international stage again. Stead also welcomed Boult’s return to the ODI unit and emphasized his importance in their preparations for the World Cup.
However, the squad will be missing the services of all-rounders Mark Chapman and Jimmy Neesham, who will be absent as they await the birth of their first children. Additionally, Kane Williamson, the New Zealand captain, will join the side during the England tour to continue his rehabilitation and training after undergoing surgery for a ruptured knee ligament in April.
It is worth noting that all-rounder Michael Bracewell, who had surgery on his ruptured Achilles in June, remains unavailable for selection.
New Zealand is set to announce their final World Cup squad in early September and will also play a warm-up series in Bangladesh later in the month. Meanwhile, they have named an extended T20 squad for upcoming series against the United Arab Emirates and England.
The New Zealand ODI squad for the series against England consists of Tom Latham (captain), Finn Allen, Trent Boult, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, and Will Young.
With the inclusion of experienced campaigners like Boult and Jamieson, New Zealand will be hopeful of putting on a strong performance in the series against England, fine-tuning their preparations for the upcoming World Cup in India.
