‘I’m a dad first and a lower-order all-rounder second’ – Trent Boult opens up on decision to continue as freelance cricketer

New Zealand pacer Trent Boult voiced his stance on whether he would continue to feature as a freelance cricketer after the eagerly-anticipated ODI World Cup. In the build-up to the marquee ODI event in India, the New Zealand selection committee decided to include Boult in the 15-member squad that will play four ODIs against England.

Boult last played an ODI match in September 2022 and has been playing in T20 leagues around the world after opting out of the New Zealand central contract. Notably, the speedster participated in the International League T20 (ILT20), and the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2023. 

Furthermore, he turned up for the MI New York in their title-winning campaign in the recently concluded Major League Cricket (MLC) and emerged as the competition’s leading wicket-taker. After being named in the 15-man squad for the England series, Boult expressed his responsibilities when asked about his continuation as a freelance cricketer.

“I don’t know, I’m a dad first and a lower-order all-rounder second. 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 was quoted as saying by Sportskeeda.

"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," he added.

In addition to Boult’s inclusion in the setup, all-rounder Kyle Jamieson too marks his comeback after a hiatus due to a back injury. The Kiwis will go head-to-head against England in a multi-format series which includes four T20Is and as many ODIs, which is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, August 30. 

Furthermore, the finalists of the 2019 World Cup will kickstart the proceedings in the big-ticket event in 2023 on October 5 at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.