Trent Boult bows out after 'last day' with New Zealand at T20 World Cup

Trent Boult, the left-arm paceman, announced that he had played his final match in international cricket after New Zealand's disappointing T20 World Cup campaign concluded with a seven-wicket victory over Papua New Guinea in Trinidad on Monday.

Since being released from his New Zealand central contract in August 2022, Boult has been selected infrequently for international duty, allowing him to participate in various domestic T20 leagues abroad.

Although Boult did participate in New Zealand's 50-over World Cup campaign last year, where they reached the semi-finals but suffered a 70-run loss to tournament hosts India at a packed Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

In contrast, his impressive 13-year career in international cricket seemed to come to an end in a less glamorous setting, a 'dead' T20 World Cup match, with both New Zealand and non-Test nation Papua New Guinea already eliminated from qualifying for the second round. The match took place in front of a sparse crowd at the Brian Lara Stadium.

"It feels a bit strange, with a mix of emotions over the past couple of days," said Boult, who took two wickets for 14 runs as PNG were dismissed for 78 runs, with fellow fast bowler Lockie Ferguson finishing with an exceptional 3-0 from his maximum four overs.

Losses to Afghanistan and tournament co-hosts the West Indies earlier in Group C had dashed the Black Caps' hopes of progressing to the second-round Super Eights.

"I'm disappointed that we couldn't go further, but I'm incredibly proud of my achievements with the Black Caps and saddened that this is my last day representing New Zealand," Boult expressed.

Boult's impressive record of 317 wickets in 78 Tests ranks him as the fourth-highest wicket-taker among New Zealand bowlers. His long-standing new-ball partner, Tim Southee, with 380 Test wickets, is second only to the legendary Richard Hadlee (431 wickets) in the all-time national standings.

"I have spent over a dozen years sharing the dressing room with Tim Southee. It has been a partnership that I have cherished, and we are great friends off the field," he added.

Boult was asked if the game against PNG, which marked his 62nd T20 international, would be his final appearance for New Zealand in all formats. In response, he stated that he hadn't given it much thought and was not in a position to comment at the moment. However, he expressed his enjoyment of being out on the field one last time.

Kane Williamson, the captain of New Zealand, praised Boult as a "great servant of the game" who consistently performed well in all formats. He also mentioned that it would be sad to see him leave and that it had been a special experience to be alongside him throughout his career.

The talented batsman further highlighted Boult's dedication to improvement, mentioning his rigorous training and peak fitness. Boult's clear understanding of how to excel in all formats was also acknowledged. He always steps up and delivers for his country.

Williamson emphasized Boult's significant contribution to the game, noting that he has set a high standard for new players to follow. Boult has paved the way for fresh talent to emerge and meet the expectations he has established.