Trent Boult hopeful of playing Tests for New Zealand after declining central contract

Trent Boult last played Test against England in June (PC:Twitter)

Trent Boult surprised everyone when he opted to decline New Zealand Cricket's (NZC) central contract last week in a bid to spend time with his family. Boult selected in the One-Day International (ODI) squad for the upcoming Chappell-Hadlee Trophy, hopes that this decision won't affect his chances of playing Tests for the Blackcaps.

New Zealand have a jam-packed season, with a 3-Test tour of Pakistan and a home series against visiting England and Sri Lanka early next year. However, New Zealand's fourth-highest wicket-taker in Tests will most likely be unavailable for the Pakistan visit due to his commitments to T20 leagues like International League T20 (ILT20) and Big Bash League (BBL).

"I hope not, I'm fully aware that with the decision I made to give that contract back, it's going to affect that selection. I'm taking it almost week by week really,"

​"There's a lot of cricket to be played before then. I know the next series is in Pakistan and then at my home ground [Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui] against England in the new year, but it's too far away to tell. I'm going to leave that with New Zealand Cricket and respect their decision." - Boult was quoted by ESPN cricinfo.

Want to have another crack at World Cup: Boult

Boult has ambitions to play in upcoming 2023 World Cup in India (PC: Twitter)

Boult was the runner-up in two 50-over World Cups. In 2015, New Zealand were galloped by Australia, while Kane Williamson-led side were inches away from claiming the title in 2019, losing to England in the final.

The 33-year-old maintained that he wants to play in the upcoming World Cup in India, and try his luck for the third time.

Also Read: My young family has made a lot of sacrifices over the years: Trent Boult