New Zealand speedster Trent Boult will not be heading to England alongside his national Indian Premier League (IPL 2021) participants, but returning home for a short spell before joining the Test squad in the United Kingdom in June for the Test assignments.
The 14th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2021) was postponed indefinitely on Tuesday (May 4) after the Coronavirus cases were reported in the bio-bubbles of different franchises across India, which is battling a severe second wave of COVID-19 infections now.
After the postponement of the IPL 2021 on Tuesday, the coaches, commentators, and players have started leaving for their home with Indian participants, barring COVID-19 infected, have safely reached home while most of the players from England have also reached the United Kingdom.
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The Australian contingent – the biggest overseas contingent in the IPL 14 with close to 40 members – stranded due to a travel ban imposed by the Australian government till May 15th while the New Zealanders – 17 members including players and coaches – will split into two groups – one heading home and the other to England for a Test series and ICC World Test Championship against India in June.
The UK-bound Kiwi players include Kane Williamson, Kyle Jamieson, Mitchell Santner, and Tommy Simsek (physio) will be heading England on May 11, while the others returning home are Lockie Ferguson, Jimmy Neesham, Finn Allen, Stephen Fleming, Brendon McCullum, Kyle Mills, Shane Bond, Mike Hesson, Tim Seifert, Adam Milne, Scott Kuggeleijn, James Pamment, team trainer Chris Donaldson alongside Boult.
The returning players are due to depart New Delhi on Friday (May 7) and they will be arriving in Auckland on Saturday (May 8) on one of two charter flights before undergoing managed isolation there.
New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White told the 1 News: “He’s got a young family and he wanted to come home to see them – we totally support that. He is the consummate professional and we know he will prepare and get ready for the Test Championship final so we’re supportive of him.”
Boult, who was playing for Mumbai Indians in the IPL 14, will train at Mount Maunganui before leaving for England where he will link up with his New Zealand squad for possibly the WTC final against India.
The experienced pacer will complete his isolation on May 22 and then will be with his family for a couple of weeks, which means he can miss a two-match Test series in England starting June 2, as the New Zealand based players of the Test squad will be leaving for the UK on May 16 and 17.
(With News 18 Inputs)
