Trent Boult from Otumoetai College reached 129km/h to win yesterday's final at Eden Park and be named the country's fastest secondary school bowler. Photo / Paul Estcourt
Trent Boult from Otumoetai College reached 129km/h to win yesterday's final at Eden Park and be named the country's fastest secondary school bowler. Photo / Paul Estcourt
KEY POINTS:
He's just 17 but Tauranga schoolboy Trent Boult can bowl as fast as a Black Cap.
The Otumoetai College student yesterday bowled 129km/h in wet conditions to be named the country's fastest secondary school bowler.
New Zealand Cricket head bowling coach Dayle Hadlee said Boult's bowling speed wassimilar to that of medium pacer Jacob Oram.
"In men's standards it's not high but for young boys who are say 16 or 17-years-old, it's quite impressive."
Hadlee said the wet conditions during the bowl-off were challenging.
"They were contending with slippery footholds and a wet ball. But for all that they gave it their all."
Boult, who is in the New Zealand Under-19 team, bowled 130km/h to nab a spot in the finals. Corey Anderson of Christchurch Boys High was the fastest of six qualifiers with 138km/h.
Trent, who met Bond and other members of the Black Caps yesterday before they flew out to the World Cup in the Caribbean, has set his sights on bettering his idol's achievements.
"I want to be the best bowler in New Zealand - even the world as well," said Trent.
"You've got to aim high, don't you?"
Hadlee said the finalists quizzed the professionals on technique, with Bond asked for tips on how to bowl fast.
"He talked about rhythm, relaxation, co-ordination, things like that rather than trying to run too fast and trying to muscle it down there."
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