Trent Boult: New Zealand's Left-Arm Swing Master
A complete guide to Trent Boult — New Zealand's premier left-arm swing bowler, 300+ Test wickets, two WTC campaigns, and the co-architect of New Zealand's rise to the top of Test cricket alongside Tim Southee.
Trent Boult is New Zealand's finest left-arm swing bowler and one of the most effective pace bowlers in the world over the past decade. He took over 300 Test wickets in 85 Tests at an average around 27, consistently forming an outstanding new-ball partnership with Tim Southee — the most successful bowling pair in New Zealand's history. His ability to swing the ball both conventionally and reversely at high pace made him a threat in all conditions.
Swing Bowling and the New-Ball Partnership
Born on 22 July 1989 in Rotorua, New Zealand, Boult made his Test debut against Zimbabwe in 2011. His left-arm angle from around the wicket — particularly against right-handed batsmen, where his outswinger angles away late — and his sharp inswing from over the wicket against left-handers made him versatile across all conditions. The partnership with Tim Southee was New Zealand's bowling backbone: Southee from over the wicket targeting the off stump, Boult swinging it across from the left. Together they took over 600 Test wickets.
World Cup 2019 and WTC 2021
Boult's most celebrated tournament performances came at the 2019 World Cup, where he took 17 wickets including 4/30 in the final against England that helped set up the Super Over drama. Despite New Zealand's heartbreaking loss on boundary countback, Boult was outstanding throughout. He was equally important in New Zealand's 2021 WTC final victory over India — taking wickets in both innings to help claim New Zealand's first major ICC title.
Central Contract Release and Franchise Cricket
In September 2022, Boult made the surprising decision to request an early release from his New Zealand Cricket central contract, opting to pursue global franchise T20 opportunities. The decision made him available for the IPL and other leagues but effectively ended his regular New Zealand Test career. New Zealand Cricket respected the decision, and Boult has been available on a match-by-match basis for New Zealand since then.
Career Statistics
| Format | Mat | Wkts | Avg | Best | 5-fors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 85 | 317 | 27.48 | 6/30 | 16 |
| ODIs | 105 | 169 | 24.62 | 5/21 | 4 |
| T20Is | 54 | 62 | 23.95 | 4/27 | 0 |
Frequently asked questions
How many Test wickets did Trent Boult take?
Trent Boult took 317 Test wickets in 85 matches at an average of 27.48, with 16 five-wicket hauls. He is the second-highest wicket-taker in New Zealand Test cricket history behind Richard Hadlee.
Why did Trent Boult give up his New Zealand Cricket contract?
Trent Boult requested an early release from his New Zealand Cricket central contract in September 2022 to pursue franchise T20 cricket opportunities globally. He said he wanted to prioritise family time and that the global T20 circuit offered a lifestyle that suited him better than the full New Zealand schedule.
What is Trent Boult's best bowling performance?
Trent Boult's best Test bowling figures are 6/30 against South Africa at Centurion in 2016. He was consistently one of the most dangerous new-ball bowlers in world cricket throughout the 2010s and was instrumental in New Zealand winning the ICC World Test Championship in 2021.