Boult Back in Action: The Return of the Kiwi Speedster

image-lmjiw4h9Trent Boult has been brilliant bowling form (Source: Twitter)

The Kiwis might have lost the third ODI and are 2-1 down in the series. Even though there is only a possibility of drawing the 4 match series, New Zealand will be happy to see Trent Boult’s return in ODI’s. The34 yr old left arm seamer has been exceptional in his first ODI’s after one year. He is currently the highest wicket taker in the ODI series with 8 wickets from 2 games at a phenomenal average of 11. 

He has caused a lot of problems for English batters in this series with wickets at the start and at the death. This is a good sign for Boult in the 50 over format who has taken 195 wickets in his 101 games at an average of 23.45 and a great economy of 4.94. This series has proved once again why he is a vital asset for New Zealand.


"Boult's Pitch Map Magic: Wicket-Taking Masterclass

Trent Boult was one of the best performers for New Zealand in the 3rd ODI. He finished with figures of 5-51 in 9.1 overs. We all know that Boult is one of the best bowlers in the powerplay with the new ball, but his performance showed us a different version of him. It's no surprise that most of his wickets were on a good length or slightly fuller length. However he was also brilliant in the back end of the innings where he started mixing his line and length. 

This shows that Boult has really worked on his craft in bowling at the death where he proved to be slightly predictable in the past. Malan and Bairstow's dismissals had an element of luck, with Bairstow flicking it off his pad to Conway at square leg for a superb catch, while Malan nicked one outside leg for a catch behind.. The wickets of Root and Atkinson were classic Boult dismissal where Root drags one full ball swinging back and Atkinson gets out to a phenomenal yorker on middle stump. 

The Sam Curran dismissal is a huge example of how Boult has mixed his line and length where he bowls out of Curran’s arc and slightly short of good length. What was amazing about his spells in this match was that he stuck to his natural length most of the time. Knowing that he is not one of the quickest bowlers he barely bowled a short ball in the game.


Conclusion

New Zealand might have missed their chance to beat England at home but seeing one of their premier bowlers come back is a blessing for them. With one more game to go and the World Cup not far away Boult will be a real trump card for the Kiwis. Boult has not only shown how capable he is with the new ball but also shown a lot of improvement with his death bowling as well. These 2 matches are a huge example of why New Zealand has chosen to keep him in the side despite his long break from ODI’s. 

We can also not forget that Trent Boult is also the highest wicket taker for New Zealand in World Cups. This makes it easier for the New Zealand management and coaches to prefer him over any bowler. Overall Boult will always be the number 1 pick for New Zealand due to his ability to bowl consistent line and lengths, swinging the ball both ways and has a lot of experience.