New Zealand to rest Trent Boult for England series, wants him fresh for WTC final

New Zealand pacer Trent Boult is expected to miss the England series to stay fresh for the summit clash of the World Test Championship against India. The left-arm seamer, who is officially set to miss the first Test after being granted family leave in New Zealand, will reach the UK on Friday, 4th May and will undergo quarantine. The second Test will be played between 10 - 14 June and Kiwis are unlikely to risk their ace pacer just a week before a crunch final.

Advertisment

New Zealand coach Gary Stead hinted that Boult won't be playing the second Test against England.

"I don't think you'll see Trent in the two Test matches here," New Zealand coach Gary Stead told reporters on Monday.

Also read: Sarfaraz, Zeeshan and Zaid to reach Abu Dhabi today, six members still stuck in Pakistan - Sky247 Blog

Advertisment

"He arrives on Friday, our planning and what we're looking at doing with Trent is having him ready for the World Test Championship final.

"He's been home, he has had a week of bowling over there which has been great after the fair amount of isolation time at the end of the IPL," he added.

"But our view with Trent right now is it's unlikely that he will play the Test at Edgbaston. And he's more likely to be just available for the one-off Test."

Advertisment

England have rested some of their big guns for the series thus it's a great opportunity for New Zealand to grab a series victory on the English soil. A victory over England will be a massive boost ahead of an iconic clash.

Virat Kohli led India will arrive in the UK on June 3 and will undergo a period of managed isolation. The World Test Championship final will be played in 'The Rose Bowl', Southampton between 18-22 June.

Follow SKY247.net for all the latest cricket, football, and other sports news from all parts of the world.