After being out of the game for the last 3 months, New Zealand pacer Trent Boult is all set to stage a comeback in the upcoming Test series against Indian. The cricketer has been included in the 13-member squad picked up for the upcoming series.
Boult was last seen playing cricket in the Boxing Day Test against Australia, last year. The current number one bowler in ODIs has been a mainstay for the Kiwis for many years and his comeback will only boost their chances of winning the game. The bowler will be spearheading the pace department alongside Tim Southee and debutant Kyle Jamieson.
Speaking about Boult’s return, New Zealand’s head-coach Gary Stead revealed that his experience will be really important for the team and it feels terrific to have him back in the team.
“It is terrific to have Trent back with us and we are looking forward to the energy and experience he adds to the group alongside his obvious class with the ball in hand,” Stead said.
On the other hand, players like Jeet Raval, Mitchell Santner, and Matt Henry have been excluded from the squad after a dismal performance in recent times. Meanwhile, Jamieson has been included in the team for Lockie Ferguson, who is injured.
“Kyle will offer us a point of difference with the bounce he could extract on what is traditionally a good surface in Wellington,” Gary Stead said while announcing the squad.
Kane Williamson will be back leading the side for the series while Ross Taylor, Tom Latham, BJ Watling, and Henry Nicholls will be responsible for giving maximum contributions from the bat. Tom Blundell has been called back into the side in place of Raval. He will open the innings with Latham. Ajaz Patel is the lone spinner in the side.
Daryl Mitchell, who has been frequently seen representing New Zealand in the white-ball cricket, is in the team as injury cover.
“Daryl showed his batting prowess in his test debut against England in Hamilton and he naturally offers us great versatility with the different roles he can play,” added Stead.
The first Test match between New Zealand and India will commence from February 21 in Wellington.
New Zealand squad:
Kane Williamson (capt), Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, and BJ Watling.
