TRENT “THUNDER BOULT” IS GO
Four years ago, New Zealand’s Blackcaps came as close as they ever have to winning the grandest prize in cricket. They pulled up one really good performance short, losing the World Cup final to Australia in Melbourne. But along the way, they won the hearts of sports fans around the country for their skill and spirit.
In June, they’ll be in England and Wales to contest the 12th edition of the One Day International (ODI) tournament.
My mind goes back to 28 February, 2015. On a hot, cloudless day, Auckland’s unloved concrete citadel Eden Park had 40,000 fans squeezed in for the group game against the Aussies. The atmosphere was electric. To New Zealand minds, it doesn’t get any better than a tasty trans-Tasman duel.
Batting first, Australia were 96 for four and wobbling. Step forward New Zealand’s star left-arm bowler Trent Boult. In the space of just 17 balls, he ripped out five Australian wickets at a personal cost of a solitary run. Given the context, the opposition and the setting, it was an unforgettable half-hour.
Now 29, Boult, the pride of Bay of Plenty, is in his prime. He ranks among the finest bowlers in the world, capable of devastating spells, and that’s when he’s not being simply top class.
Boult and his
