In August of last year, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) agreed to release senior pacer Trent Boult from its player contract list, allowing him to spend more time with his family and take part in domestic leagues around the world.

Since then, Boult hasn’t played Test cricket for the Kiwis while he has featured in a few white-ball games, including the T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia.

The left-arm quick, who hasn’t played for New Zealand since November 2022, might turn up at the ODI World Cup later this year.

“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,” NZC said in a release on Thursday (June 8).

Black Caps coach Gary Stead hoped that Boult will resume his partnership alongside New Zealand Test captain Tim Southee at the 50-over World Cup, slated to be held in India in October-November.

“We are having positive conversations with Trent, he’s indicated he’s available for the World Cup,” Stead told reporters.

“From our perspective, he’s one of the best ODI bowlers in the world so barring injury, I think it’s highly likely that he would be part of our squad.”

Trent Boult has represented New Zealand in 78 Tests, 99 ODIs and 55 T20Is so far, claiming 317, 187 and 74 wickets respectively. The 33-year-old played a key role in New Zealand’s World Test Championship triumph two years ago.

Stead said Boult could also return to the Black Caps’ five-day squad for next year’s home series against South Africa and Australia.

“That’s still being discussed at the moment. Trent has other leagues he is committed to, so we are just working through that and exactly what it will mean. He’s indicated a willingness to play,” the coach stated.

(With AFP Inputs)