Trent Boult set to return for ODI series against Australia

New Zealand premier fast bowler Trent Boult is all set to return for the 1st ODI against Australia in Sydney on Sunday after he missed the 2nd Test against Pakistan which the Kiwis won in a dramatic fashion due to knee discomfort. Boult had injured his knee during the Test series in India and felt some discomfort during the 1st Test against Pakistan in Christchurch earlier in the month.

The star fast bowler missed the 2nd match at Hamilton which New Zealand won by 138 runs to clinch their first series win against Pakistan in 31 years. Coach Mike Hesson stated that Boult was tracking “very well” for Sunday’s opener having passed the fitness test for the opener against Australia on Sunday.

“He’s recovered. I think when you know you’ve only got to bowl 10 overs, it’s a lot easier than obviously the demands of the test match,” Hesson told reporters before the team left for Australia.

Boult’s addition will bolster their chances in the upcoming series as the Black Caps make a quick transition from Test to ODI cricket. Kane Williamson felt the confidence from the series victory over Pakistan will surely help.

“One thing I do know is winning’s a lot better than losing, so I guess it’s nice coming away with a series win, having played very good cricket as a unit,” Williamson said.

“In saying that, the change in format, also the change in the side, means that it is a separate challenge.

“It is important you bring yourself back to the challenges that are in front of you.”

Hesson also added that the New Zealand outfit will take confidence from their consistent performance in the shorter versions over the last two to three years.

“We’re a reliable white-ball side,” he said.

“A lot of these guys have never played in Australia. There’ll be some good crowds, I’m sure, over there, plenty of hostility, and for any New Zealand team going over there it’s an exciting time, so we’re looking forward to it.”

The first match of the series will be played on Sunday followed by the 2nd ODI at Canberra on December 6.