'I’m definitely as hungry as ever to represent the country'- Trent Boult throws light on his decision to play international cricket

New Zealand pacer Trent Boult  is set to make his comeback to international cricket with the forthcoming England tour and the 2023 ODI World Cup. He last appeared in national colours during the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, after which he competed in different T20 franchise leagues throughout the world.

The pacer was controversially refused a central contract with New Zealand Cricket, making him a second-choice contender in bilateral series. However, he continues to represent New Zealand in important matches, such as major cricketing competitions.

I don’t know, I’m a dad first and a lower-order all-rounder second: Trent Boult

After being named in the 15-man squad for the four-match ODI series against England, beginning on August 30, he joined the squad for training at the Bay Oval. He after his comeback stated, "Nice to be back involved and just excited, really. It wasn’t an easy decision to make just over a year ago to move away from the New Zealand cricket bubble, in a way. I never wanted it to be about New Zealand or franchise cricket, I just respected the fact that my career’s so long and just tried to make the most out of my remaining years as a bowler."

"I’m definitely as hungry as ever to represent the country and hopefully do something special with the guys over the next couple of months," Boult added. When asked whether he will continue as a freelance T20 cricketer after the World Cup or return to New Zealand cricket with a central contract, he replied "I don’t know, I’m a dad first and a lower-order all-rounder second."

He played in the International League T20 (ILT20), the Indian Premier League (IPL), and the Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States in 2023. With 23 wickets, he was the leading wicket-taker in the inaugural MLC, as the MI New York (MINY) won the title. He claimed that he still wants to play international cricket, particularly to win the ODI World Cup, which New Zealand missed out on four years ago. England won the 2019 ODI World Cup on boundary count after tied Super Over following a tied game.