The New Zealand team for the T20I and ODI series against India, set to start on Friday, November 18, does not include star speedster Trent Boult. The pacer was not included because the management felt that players with central or domestic contracts should be given priority right now. The pacer had earlier this year chosen to opt out of his central contract. Boult was a member of the New Zealand T20 World Cup team, and during their tournament run, they advanced to the semifinals.
After the team was selected, head coach Gary Stead elaborated on the reasons Boult was left off the roster. “When Trent opted out of his NZC contract in August, we indicated that priority would be given to those players with either central or domestic contracts, and that’s been the case here,” Stead said in an official release issued by New Zealand Cricket. “We’re all aware of Trent’s world-class ability, but at this time – as we build towards more global events, we want to give opportunities and experiences to others,” he added. The addition of Finn Allen to the squad eliminates Martin Guptill, an experienced professional.
“The emergence and success of Finn at the top of the order in white-ball cricket means a guy of the class of Martin Guptill misses out – that’s just the nature of the high-performance sport,” said Stead. “With the 50-over World Cup less than a year away we’re keen to give Finn every opportunity to keep gaining ODI experience, especially against quality opposition such as India. The message to both those players is that there’s a lot of international cricket ahead and the door is certainly not closed to them,” he added.
Stead said it was always a special occasion when India visited, and he was confident that the tour would be thrilling for both players and spectators. “There’s always an incredible buzz when India comes to town. The energy and noise is incredible and I know the team are really looking forward to getting back and playing in front of some big home crowds,” said Stead. “India are a world-class side stacked with stars and we know we’ll have to be right at the top of our game,” he added.
