Trent Boult likely to play second Test versus England after relaxed quarantine norms
After Boult was doubtful because of his normal quarantine period, New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said Boult is now likely to play after updated quarantine rules.
New Zealand pacer Trent Boult is likely to play in the second Test against England as a result of relaxed quarantine norms in England. New Zealander went to his home to spend some time with his family after IPL 2021 suspension and was originally slated to play only the World Test Championship final against India.
Boult was doubtful over his participation on account of old quarantine rules, Sports Digest earlier reported the same on June 1.
Gary Stead after the first Test of the series concluded, had this to say about Trent Boult’s participation.
“There’s a chance. There are a few things that have changed, the British Government has relaxed their quarantine stipulations, so Trent (Boult) is out of isolation three or four days earlier than we expected,”
Stead said finishing quarantine three-four days earlier has worked in favor of New Zealand and Trent Boult.
“The original plan we had in place with all the information we had at the time was that we weren’t going to play him in the second Test, but coming out of that isolation probably three days earlier than what we originally anticipated does put a slightly different spin on it. So we’ll weigh up the pros and cons and work out with Trent what we think is the best course forward to make sure he is fit and raring to go for that final.”
Boult who has 71 Test to his name, has enjoyed success in England alongside Tim Southee.
“We still haven’t made a firm call on that, and we will give it the next 48 hours before we work out what we do with Trent in that second Test. Trent is keener than he was a week ago and that’s because he’s over here now, he’s part of the environment. Probably right now it’s a bit early to make that call, he’s only been here 48 hours and probably still suffering a little bit of jet lag.”
The first Test match ended in a draw. The second and the final Test of the two-match Test series will be played at Edgbaston from June 10-14.