Trent Boult likely to miss New Zealand's first Test against England at Lord's

Just as the Indian Premier League (IPL) is nearing its completion, bilateral cricket across the globe is about to commence. New Zealand, who are currently in England, will clash against the hosts in a three-Test series from June 2 at the iconic Lord's Cricket Stadium.

According to a report in stuff.co.nz, the Black Caps will be without their bowling spearhead Trent Boult, who will be gearing up to play the IPL final. Boult will take part in the final on May 29, which will leave hardly any time for the left-hander to prepare for the first Test commencing just three days later.

This season, the left-arm pacer representing the Rajasthan Royals (RR) franchise will meet Gujarat Titans (GT) on Sunday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

New Zealand have a good pool of fast bowlers if Boult does not participate in the Test, with the likes of Tim Southee, Kyle Jamieson, Neil Wagner, and Matt Henry capable enough to do the job flawlessly, along with spinner Ajax Patel.

The 32-year-old has played 75 Tests for the Kiwis picking 301 wickets, joining an elite 300+ group including Sir Richard Hadlee, Daniel Vettori, and Tim Southee.

New Zealand's fourth-highest wicket-taker in Tests has scalped 15 wickets for the Sanju Samson-led club this season, striking in the power-play mostly.