New Zealand pacer Trent Boult on Monday (November 15) admitted that the loss in the T20 World Cup 2021 final to Australia is still hurting even after getting time to process it.
The Kiwis suffered a comprehensive eight-wicket defeat despite posting a competitive total of 172/4 on the board in the summit clash at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday (November 14).
“I have had time to process the result and yeah, it still hurts a little bit to swallow the result but life goes on. We quickly went back to the hotel, packed our bags and were on a chartered flight to Jaipur to play the series against India,” Boult said in an interview to New Zealand Cricket.
“I think the boys did themselves proud with what we achieved in this tournament. We had a great performance against England and went to the final where, unfortunately we came out on the wrong end. The boys are hurting but hopefully next time we can go all the way,” he added.
The BlackCaps will now play India in a three-match T20I series followed by a two-Test series, which is part of the second WTC cycle.
Sharing his thoughts on facing India in the upcoming series, Boult said, “The World Cup final was a very big stage and second to that is probably coming to India and facing them in their own backyard. The boys are definitely looking forward to that.”
The speedster also reflected on how brilliantly New Zealand adapted to the UAE conditions.
“It has always been the strength of this side to read the wicket and quickly adapt to it. This time, it was a bit different than the pitches that we were used to but the boys performed well nonetheless.”
When asked about the future World Cup events, Boult said: “There’s a lot of hype when it comes to the ICC events but a lot of youngsters in our team stood up to that challenge in different times. There’s another T20 World Cup next year and another 50-over World cup the year after that. I think the white-ball New Zealand team is in a good position.”
Earlier this month, the left-arm fast bowler had made himself unavailable for selection for the two Tests against India as he wants to focus on the upcoming New Zealand summer.
"Everyone obviously looks forward to the New Zealand Summer and what they are coming up. I am looking forward to getting the red ball back in my hand when I get a chance and yes, it has been 12 or so weeks away already so just looking forward to refresh a little bit and then taking on the New Zealand Summer," Boult said.
New Zealand’s tour of India will get underway with the first T20I in Jaipur on November 17. The second T20I will be played in Ranchi on November 19 while Kolkata will host the third and final game on November 21.
The two Tests will be played in Kanpur (November 25-29) and Mumbai (December 3-7).
