World Cup 2023 | New Zealand's Trump Card - Trent Boult
Trent Boult will be cause of headache for many top order batters during World Cup 2023 (Source: AP Photos)
Trent Boult is undeniably one of New Zealand's key players to watch out for in the 2023 World Cup. His extensive experience, having already participated in two previous ODI World Cups in 2015 and 2019, makes him a crucial asset for New Zealand's campaign this year. What sets Boult apart is his seasoned understanding of Indian conditions, which could prove to be a decisive factor in the World Cup.
His mastery over the new ball, especially in the initial overs, makes him a formidable force. Boult possesses the unique ability to swing the ball both ways, and he consistently maintains precise line and length, displaying remarkable control over his deliveries.
A left-arm fast bowler like Boult is always a significant asset to any squad. Left-arm pacers of his quality are hard to come by in international cricket, and his presence offers a new dimension to New Zealand's bowling assault. Boult's ability to extract movement and make early breakthroughs gives his team a substantial advantage.
Boult's Artistry: New Zealand's Path to Victory
Boult's Position-wise Figures in ODIs since 2022
Trent Boult's ability to consistently dismiss top-quality players from various international teams has made him a true match-winner. His knack for troubling some of the biggest names in cricket, including Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from India, underscores his effectiveness as a premier fast bowler.
Analyzing his performance since 2022 reveals Boult's ability in disrupting top-order batting line-ups, particularly against openers. In the context of specific batting positions, he has had a significant impact. Let's break down his statistics by batting position:
For openers (batting position 1), in the last 10 innings, Boult has dismissed them a remarkable 6 times. His economy rate against openers stands at 3.78, and he boasts an outstanding average of 11.3. These figures showcase the difficulty faced by openers when dealing with the new ball delivered by Boult. Additionally, he maintains a dot ball percentage of over 73% against openers, indicating the pressure he consistently applies.
For the second opener (batting position 2), Boult has been equally effective. In 9 innings, he has dismissed these players 4 times, with an economy rate of 4.26. His average of 12.2 against this position further emphasizes his proficiency in early breakthroughs.
Moving to the number 3 batting position, Boult's dominance continues. In 10 innings, he has dismissed these batters 5 times, boasting an exceptional economy rate of 3.38 and a remarkable average of just 10.6. His ability to disrupt the top order, even in the crucial number 3 position, is a testament to his consistent excellence. Additionally, having a extraordinary dot ball percentage of 75.5 percent, which shows he also not allow them to take singles and doubles, by not giving loose deliveries.
Conclusion
These data show how difficult it is for openers and top-order batters to face Trent Boult, especially in the early stages of an innings. His ability to extract movement from the new ball and provide consistent pressure by bowling dot balls makes him a formidable opponent.
Boult's ability to dismiss top-tier batters and provide early breakthroughs adds enormous value to New Zealand's bowling attack, In a tournament where conditions can vary, Boult's skill set, experience, and ability to adapt to different pitches make him a potent threat and a figure to watch in the 2023 World Cup.
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