Trent Boult Couldn’t Wait to Dismiss Virat Kohli

When Trent Boult is healthy, not a single batsman can stand up to his pace. He reckoned that not even Virat Kohli could, and he was looking to put that theory to the test when he returned to the international scene during the two-match Test series between New Zealand and India. Prior to that match, Boult was unable to play for the past six weeks due to a fractured right hand he suffered during the Boxing Day Test against Australia. This caused him to miss out on the limited-overs series against India.

During a media event ahead of the first Test, Boult made his priorities clear. ‘That’s personally why I play the game, to get guys like that (Kohli) out and test myself against them, so I can’t wait to get stuck in . But he’s an exceptional player. Everyone knows how great he is’, he said. It was a warning shot to India’s Test squad. Their previous match against Australia was something they want to forget after losing 0-3. They will look forward to beat India. ‘They are a great side and they are leading the ICC Test Cham’, said Boult.

The Basin Reserve seems to be in favour of the seamers, and Boult looked forward to taking advantage of the playing conditions. ‘I’m preparing for a solid wicket. It generally is very good here and goes the full distance (five days). I do enjoy playing here, the history that’s involved, and it’s going to be an exciting week building up. I can’t wait to get out there’, he said.

It was painful for him to watch his team get beat 0-5 during the T20 series. But he was set to make his return to the team and was excited to be able to get back on the pitch again. ‘I think it is what it is. I have just got to put the last six or so weeks behind me and just back myself to get out there and do my thing’, he said. Naturally, he tried to look for the silver lining despite the injury he sustained ( which, to him, was more of an accident).

‘If I had to break a hand (it would) probably be my right one. Breaking a hand, you don’t really know how much you use it unless you break it’, he said. ‘I was pushing in off the long run. I think a couple of the clubbies from Taupo really enjoyed that. It was a good afternoon’. Bowling for him wasn’t a problem after the injury. ‘Everything has gone very well but catching will be the biggest issue for me’

Following the injury, Boult had to stay low. It was a win for him since he was also able to spend some quality time with his family. ‘Having some time away from the game and having my second son a couple of weeks ago came at quite a good time’. Now that he’s fit, he’s itching to get back on the pitch to bowl some fast-paced balls and hit some boundaries.

‘I am hungry to be here and can’t wait to get back in the white and get the red ball moving around’, he said.