“It wasn’t an easy decision to make just over a year ago to move away from New Zealand cricket bubble in a way,” he said. “I never wanted it to be about New Zealand or franchise cricket. I just respected the fact that my career is [only] so long, and just tried to make the most of my remaining years as a bowler. Yeah, definitely as hungry as ever to still represent the country, and hopefully do something special with the guys over the next couple of months. I can’t wait.
“I have always had this in the back of my mind to come back and work towards an ODI World Cup. There’s history involved there. The times we have had in previous campaigns has been very exciting. So just hungry to get involved, and hopefully play a big role.
“I’m just thinking about hopefully lifting something pretty shiny that we were pretty close to four years ago. That’s the biggest focus.”
“Life’s short, make the most of everything. It has been an exciting 12 months or so on the road,” Boult said of his year-long sojourn from international cricket. “[I was] getting the chance of experiencing cricket around the world. Just hot out of Texas [for MLC]. I had a great time out there, lifting the trophy with MI New York.
“Just pretty grateful to get the experiences across a couple of big tournaments, and it’s been different watching the Black Caps games from afar and seeing the guys go out there and take on the international game. I still respect the international game immensely; it plays a big role in any kid trying to come through and play cricket as a dream. The idea of a World Cup is still the pinnacle in my opinion as well.”
New Zealand also lost allrounder James Neesham to the franchise world when he declined an NZC contract after Boult, but he too remains in their World Cup plans but will miss the England ODIs for the birth of his first child. Boult, however, felt that while international cricket still played a massive role in a player’s career, the times at T20 franchises weren’t smooth either.
“I’m not sure with the contracts. It’s a hard question as well, with franchise cricket around the world,” he said. “It’s not taking over, but there’s a lot more of it. I still think international cricket plays a massive role in, I suppose earning you the right to get into the franchises and play. And franchise cricket can be pretty hard. You are one or two performances away from being pushed out of the franchise. There are hundreds of cricketers trying to come in behind you and take that role as well. There’s a lot at stake.
