Concerns surround Trent Boult’s fitness ahead of Australia series

Kane Williamson and the Kiwi management are sweating over the fitness of the left-arm seamer Trent Boult after the scans revealed a sore-rib ahead of the series against Australia. Boult’s presence would be hugely missed as the away side are looking for their first victory on Australian soil in nearly 34 years. 

Earlier in the week, the 30-year-old pacer was ruled out of the second Test against England after he missed a major chunk of the bowling in the second innings of the opener at Mount Maunganui. Boult’s impact has been heavy against the Australia side, and in particular with the pink ball in his hand. 

Since the inaugural Day-Night Test between the two in 2015, Boult has the best strike-rate in the world picking up a wicket every 26.5th delivery. In the Two pink-ball Test matches that the pacer has played, he has managed to pick up 16 wickets, including 7-101 against Australia and 9-99 against England. 

"It's always a worry. You want the best for your players all the time and you don't like seeing people sit out injured. Trent's a pretty resilient character but I guess there are concerns about what will ultimately show up. It's a new injury and he's very sore," confirmed New Zealand’s coach Gary Stead.  

Further, there were concerns over the fitness of skipper before Williamson played it down and is expected to take the field in the second Test against the visiting English side. The Kiwi side are leading 1-0 going into the finale in Hamilton.