Cricket: Returning young bowler aims for Black Caps spot

Trent Boult. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Trent Boult looks set to return to first-class cricket for the first time this year when Northern Districts play Central Districts in the final round of the Plunket Shield tomorrow in Napier.

The 20-year-old has struggled with a stress fracture in his back over the past year, after gaining a surprise call into the Black Caps in January 2009 for the tour to Australia.

Boult came back into the ND side for two matches before Christmas where he took seven wickets at an average of 12.85. Six of those came the last time the Knights played the Stags, contributing to a nine-wicket win.

While he's unlikely to be at full pace in the mid-140km/h area tomorrow, it will be welcome news to the New Zealand selectors, especially with an ageing Chris Martin on their books.

The former under-19 international has learnt about his body as part of rehabilitation.

"It was a confusing few months initially but I've done the hard yards so hopefully I'll get back on the park. That Black Caps spot is a definite goal, especially with the lack of fast bowling depth at the moment."

ND coach Grant Bradburn is expected to name him in a weakened pace bowling line-up with Tim Southee and Brent Arnel on duty with the Black Caps.

"Trent joined us at the last game [against Otago]. While he didn't play, he simulated the workload of a first class game and came through fine. He's had a lean summer but we've eased him back to fitness. He's learned a lot about the level of strength and conditioning required to be a fast bowler."

ND also gets Kane Williamson back after he shared 12th man duties with James Franklin yesterday at Seddon Park. While disappointed for Williamson, Bradburn recognises it's one of the few chances they'll have his services looking to the future.

"I knew that phone call [from the selectors] was coming. We won't see much more of him in our environment. But I hoped, once he was selected, he would play. It was a good selection in terms of timing. He's in form, it's a home test on a placid pitch and he's a fine player of fast bowling."