Cricket: Boult eager to stamp his mark on the game

The ICC Cricket World Cup, to be played in Australia and New Zealand in February/March, is a constant motivation for Black Caps pace bowler Trent Boult.

The 25-year-old, who learned his early cricket at Otumoetai College and the Otumoetai Cadets Club, is the first choice new ball bowler with Tim Southee in test matches.

But it has taken the likeable left-armer longer to break into the white ball game.

"The World Cup is a massive stage and it is a huge tournament," Boult said. "Obviously the World Cup doesn't come round that often, and for it to come round in your home garden is something I can't see happening in my career I guess.

"It is something I am working towards but I am looking forward to a big game (Hamilton) today and then a big tour to UAE as well. So a lot of cricket to be played before then."

Boult loved the opportunity to further his claims for the Black Caps in the shorter form of the game against South Africa at Bay Oval last week.

The fact it was on home ground, in front of family and friends, made it even more unforgettable.

"This series is very important for me. I think I have a few strengths that I can offer in the white ball format and obviously with the World Cup not far around the corner, this is a great opportunity for me to showcase those skills.

"It is nice to be doing it at home on a brilliant ground in front of a few thousand people. Bay of Plenty Cricket have done a great job, the pavilion looks great, the terraces in front of it, and the crowd really turned out and luckily we had a couple of good days of weather."

Boult had more success in the first match bowling in more favourable conditions than the second game.

"It swung round a lot more on the Tuesday and the wicket was obviously newer, while (Friday) it was a lot better for batting in my eyes," Boult said.

"It was relatively flat and anything back of a length was relatively easy to get on to but to come back at the end and tidy up with a couple of wickets was nice."

What and where:
Black Caps v South Africa, third ODI, Seddon Park, Hamilton, today from 10.30am.