• Source:JND

Former New Zealand fast bowler Trent Boult believes KL Rahul will be one of India’s most important batters during the upcoming two-Test series against New Zealand.

The Test series begins on November 19, with Rahul expected to play a major role at the top of India’s batting order. Boult, who took 317 wickets in Test cricket, is a big admirer of the Indian batter’s style.

“I’m always a big fan of KL Rahul and his style of batsmanship. So he’s a big player at the top of the order for the Indian side. And yeah, I believe Jaiswal is there as well. Two classy batters to see bat. So yeah, be interesting to see,” Boult said in an exclusive interview to PTI felicitated by organisers of the European T20 Premier League.

“It’s always an exciting chance when the Indian team comes down to play Test cricket in New Zealand,” he added.

The India tour of New Zealand begins on October 22 and will feature 10 white-ball matches before the two-Test series. The tour is also part of the centenary celebrations of India-New Zealand sporting ties.

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Boult Expects Tough Conditions For Batters

Boult feels the timing of the tour could make things difficult for the batters. India will be in New Zealand during late October and November, instead of the February-March window that has traditionally been used for tours.

The former left-arm pacer expects cold weather and believes the conditions could also help New Zealand’s bowlers.

“The only thing I can see happening is it’s going to be late October. I believe, just coming out of winter. So it’s going to be quite cold. Hopefully, there’s a bit of greenness in the wickets for some of our bowlers.

“It’s going to be a good series, I’m sure,” the left-arm exponent of swing bowling gave his observations about conditions that he expects in Wellington and Christchurch.

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Boult Backs New Zealand’s New-Look Pace Attack

Boult and Tim Southee formed one of New Zealand’s most successful new-ball partnerships for several years. However, Boult feels the current bowling attack has enough quality and variety to create its own identity.

Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Nathan Smith and Will O’Rourke are among the bowlers expected to play important roles for New Zealand.

“I think the bowling is very well balanced. It’s got bases covered in terms of a good pace, obviously, with Will O’Rourke. Obviously, a bit of swing and a bit of bounce from Kyle Jamieson and Matt Henry with his accuracy.

“So yeah, I think the way me, Tim and Wags did it over the years was a unique way in itself. But there’s other strengths and other game plans that our younger bowlers can follow.”

Trent Boult Remembers Neil Wagner

Boult also spoke highly of his former New Zealand teammate Neil Wagner, who was known for his aggressive approach and ability to make an impact even in difficult conditions.

Wagner played a key role alongside Boult and Southee during New Zealand’s successful period in Test cricket.

“I don’t think you can compare anyone to Neil Wagner. He had that unique ability to find something out of nothing basically in the Test arena and he always wore his heart on his sleeve and gave everything.

“So he was a big part of the New Zealand team at the time, but a new-look side now and a new-look way of playing.”


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