Trent Boult released from New Zealand’s central contract

New Zealand pacer, Trent Boult has lost out his place on the centrally contracted players list, the New Zealand Cricket Board confirmed on Wednesday. The Board has made the decision upon the fast bowler’s several requests to release him from the contract.

Boult has made the decision in a bid to spend more time with his family and play in several other domestic leagues. The New Zealand fast bowler has played 78 Tests and 93 ODIs for his country so far in his international cricket career, picking 317 and 169 wickets respectively. He is currently New Zealand’s fourth highest wicket-taker in Test Cricket. Besides, he has 62 wickets in 44 T20 internationals at 21.7.

“The move means Boult, who has taken 317 Test wickets, 169 at ODI level, and 62 in T20I cricket, will have a significantly reduced role with the BLACKCAPS during his final years in the game, while still being eligible for selection if and when available,” stated an official release issued by NZC.

The 33-year-old fast bowler said that the decision wasn’t the easy one but feels that it is the right time for him to move to the next phase, considering the fact that he is in the wrong side of his 30s.

“This has been a really tough decision for me and I’d like to thank NZC for their support in getting to this point. Playing cricket for my country was a childhood dream and I’m so proud of everything I’ve been able to achieve with the BLACKCAPS over the past 12 years,” said Boult.

“Ultimately this decision is about my wife Gert and our three young boys. Family has always been the biggest motivator for me and I feel comfortable with putting it first and preparing ourselves for life after cricket,” he added.

“I still have a big desire to represent my country and feel I have the skills to deliver at the international level. However, I respect the fact that not having a national contract will affect my chances of selection. Having said that, as a fast bowler I know I have a limited career span, and I feel the time is right to move into this next phase,” said Boult.

Boult last played a Test match for New Zealand against England in the third of the last Test of the three-match series against England. He picked four wickets in that game.