ICC events' "amazing stage" makes the gears go up a couple, says Boult on big win against Australia

by IANS |

Melbourne, Oct 25 (IANS) Veteran New Zealand left-arm pace bowler Trent Boult feels his side is able to take its game several notches higher in ICC events because of the "amazing stage" these tournaments provide, indicating the Black Caps' dismal performance in bilateral series could be attributed to just this one fact.

While New Zealand have been right up there contending for the trophy in virtually every ICC tournament, their bilateral series record has not been at the same level, as has been recently witnessed in the T20I Tri-series played at home or the fixture against Australia in Cairns recently.

Their performance, though, in ICC events has surprised experts, with the team finishing runners-up in the 2021 edition of the ICC T20 World Cup in the UAE, emerging ICC World Test champions and finishing second best against England in the 2019 Cricket World Cup, to name a few.

Asked about the contrast in their performances in ICC events vis-a-vis bilateral series, Boult said, it's not just the case with New Zealand, all the teams want to bring their best in ICC events.

"I don't think just for New Zealand. I think it's for all nations, especially T20 cricket. We understand how quickly it can pass. T20 cricket is literally around one or two guys stepping up on each afternoon and one or two shots can literally change a game. We're understanding that," said Boult ahead of their second Super 12 game, against Afghanistan at MCG on Wednesday.

"When it comes to World Cup pool play, there's a focus on every game to want to win, obviously, and it can get real specific with how hard batters go and what it looks like with the job with the ball. How that looks from different Bilateral Series and stuff around the world, I'm not too sure, but I don't know, you can just feel it in an ICC event that the gears go up a couple and everyone is there competing for that shiny trophy, so it's a pretty amazing stage to be on," opined Boult.

Speaking about the famous 89-run win against Australia at SCG on October 22 where the Black Caps scored a mammoth 200, and the fact the win Down Under had come after ages, Boult conceded it brought a "few smiles" back in the dressing room and gave players a "unique feeling".

"Yeah, I think there was a few smiles. Yeah, walking off the field with a win next to your name was a very unique feeling. But no, there was a little bit of emotion involved, but the boys were just proud, I suppose, of the way they played that afternoon at that stage of the tournament with all eyes on the opening game, I suppose. Just really, really satisfying. I'm sure we'll look back on that game as one of the more enjoyable ones, but hopefully there's still a few more to come over the next couple of weeks; that's for sure."

Boult preferred to be modest when reminded about Finn Allen and Devon Conway's devastating batting at the top, which floored the Australians, saying it was not a case of the duo making a "big statement" as such but the players giving the side "one of the more prouder moments".

"I don't think 'statement' is the right word. I think we've been coming here for many years. I've been playing for New Zealand for nearly 12 years and have never been able to beat Australia in a white-ball game in Australia. To do it on that stage, yeah, it was probably one of the more prouder moments in the Black Cap strip for me, to come in and set the tone in such a big game of the World Cup, and I know the boys were buzzing, but it quickly gets moved on, and like I said, the focus switches to the next game, and after that it's going to be the same thing. Just looking forward to, I suppose, repeating those performances and keep on setting that tone and go from there," added Boult.

Latest News
IPL 2024: 'Sai Kishore did not expect I will go after him off the first ball', says CSK's Shivam Dube Fri, Mar 29, 2024, 03:55 PM
Talks with Ukrainian FM focused on conflict with Russia, says EAM Jaishankar Fri, Mar 29, 2024, 03:49 PM
Started my career on shop floor of auto plant: Anand Mahindra to Elon Musk Fri, Mar 29, 2024, 03:42 PM
Chinese military offers help to Pakistan to curb terrorism Fri, Mar 29, 2024, 03:39 PM
Kangana Ranaut holds roadshow in Mandi, responds to Supriya Shrinate's 'bhao' jibe Fri, Mar 29, 2024, 03:36 PM
CPI tries to revive itself by launching ex-IPS officer in UP's Faizabad Fri, Mar 29, 2024, 03:29 PM
Mandya in Karnataka to witness mega clash between Kumaraswamy and Star Chandru Fri, Mar 29, 2024, 03:26 PM
I-T seizes unaccounted cash from Kolkata bizman's office Fri, Mar 29, 2024, 03:24 PM
Byju's EGM on rights issue ends sans objections, dissenting investors skip meet Fri, Mar 29, 2024, 03:12 PM
Anti-abuse provisions should not be used in receipt of capital from credible investors: Experts Fri, Mar 29, 2024, 03:09 PM
UP: Kamaal R Khan's brother to contest from Saharanpur on BSP ticket Fri, Mar 29, 2024, 02:59 PM
Pakistan: Alarm bells ring as judicial bodies gear up to protect their judges against 'targeted assault' Fri, Mar 29, 2024, 02:50 PM
Judicial probe ordered in Mukhtar Ansari's death Fri, Mar 29, 2024, 02:46 PM
Stories come knocking, characters start whispering to me: Filmmaker Rima Das Fri, Mar 29, 2024, 02:45 PM
Magisterial probe ordered into Mukhtar Ansari's death Fri, Mar 29, 2024, 12:52 PM