Trent Alexander Boult, born on July 22, 1989, in the Bay of Plenty region in New Zealand’s North Island, is a left-arm quick who has established himself as one of the best fast bowlers in New Zealand cricket history. Known for his ability to move the ball both ways even in unresponsive conditions, Boult poses a significant threat to batsmen around the world.
Growing up in a neighborhood that included fellow New Zealand team-mates Kane Williamson and Doug Bracewell, Boult was always surrounded by cricket. From a young age, he displayed immense talent and was named the fastest secondary school bowler in the country at the age of 17. The following year, he represented New Zealand at the Under-19 World Cup, showcasing his potential on the international stage.
However, Boult’s transition to senior cricket was not without its hurdles. In 2009, he suffered a stress fracture of the back, which kept him out of the game for two years. During this time, he focused on building his strength and conditioning, under the guidance of his idol Shane Bond. Boult also decided to revert to the bowling action he had used as a boy, which proved to be a turning point in his career. By 2015, he had developed into a consistent and reliable bowler, capable of long spells without compromising on pace.
Boult’s rise to prominence coincided with New Zealand’s success in international cricket. He played a crucial role in the side’s journey to the final of the 2015 World Cup, finishing as the joint-leading wicket-taker with 22 scalps in nine matches. His standout performance came against Australia, where he recorded figures of 5 for 27, helping his team secure an epic victory.
While Boult initially faced difficulties in breaking into the limited-overs sides due to a perception that he was more effective with the red ball than the white ball, his performances in Test cricket could not be ignored. He achieved the milestone of 100 Test wickets in just 29 matches, and in 2013, he emerged as New Zealand’s top wicket-taker. With his attacking mindset and ability to take wickets, Boult became an integral part of the team across all formats.
Boult’s success is also attributed to his partnership with fellow bowler Tim Southee. The duo has formed a formidable combination, wreaking havoc on opposition batting line-ups. They have both surpassed 200 Test wickets, and their contributions have been instrumental in New Zealand’s success in Test cricket.
Known for his exceptional fielding skills, Boult is among the few fast bowlers who excel in this aspect of the game. He has a knack for taking breathtaking one-handed catches, which adds further value to his overall skill set.
In the 2019 World Cup, Boult once again showcased his ability to perform on the big stage. He took 17 wickets throughout the tournament, including a hat-trick against Australia and the crucial wicket of Virat Kohli in the semi-final against India. Boult played a crucial role in leading New Zealand’s attack, taking them all the way to the final, where they unfortunately fell short.
Trent Boult’s journey from a talented young cricketer to a global star has been remarkable. With his ability to swing the ball, pick up wickets consistently, and contribute as a fielder, he has established himself as one of New Zealand’s finest fast bowlers. As he continues to ply his trade at the highest level, Boult will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the sport of cricket.