Martin Guptill and Trent Boult felicitated at annual function

Martin Guptill and Trent Boult landed the best batsman and best bowler awards respectively at the New Zealand annual awards function. The duo celebrated in perhaps the most peculiar fashion as they chose to interview one another.

First, it was Boult’s turn to interview the ANZ T20I and ODI player of the year, Martin Guptill. When asked how he felt about winning the award, Guptill said,” Obviously it’s been a pretty successful year for the team and for me individually as well. It’s nice to be here tonight and these awards are pretty special to receive.

Guptill also stated that the six against Sri Lanka en route to his 30 ball 93 stands out as the best six he has hit in his career. He also said that the he hit the ball at a decent angle which ensured that the ball landed on the roof. Guptill also said that he was looking forward to a good performance in the upcoming World T20 in March in the subcontinent.

“I guess the challenge of being in different conditions and being tested as a team in those conditions. We haven’t been there for a while and it’s going to be a great challenge for both batsmen and bowlers. It’s going to be fun I suppose.”

Boult concluded the interview by offering to bowl at Guptill in the nets and offer him batting advice before switching roles. It was now Guptill’s turn to interview Boult, the recipient of the bowlers’ award of the year.

Speaking to Guptill after bagging the bowling award for the second year in a row, Boult said,” You just want to go and do the best you can, try and take as many wickets as you can and set up the results for the team. Any of the lads in our bowling unit could have received that award, but, it’s very nice and humbling to receive that award.

“Blossomed is a good word (Referring to his partnership with Tim Southee). I’m very good friends with Tim and it’s a great feeling to run in as we try and do our thing together. Most importantly, we attempt to give our team the best opportunity to win. I love doing it, it’s a great bowling unit at the moment and we’re all good friends,” Boult added.

When asked who did he enjoy batting with the most, Boult surprisingly singled out Doug Bracewell. “I cannot say you (Guptill) as I have never batted with you. I very much enjoy my batting, I take it very seriously. In terms of singling out players, BJ Watling is perhaps the most boring person to bat with. So, I’m going to have to go with Doug Bracewell.”