When you think about modern-day fast bowling, especially left-arm pace, one name always rises to the top — Trent Boult. Known for his deadly inswingers, picture-perfect action, and ability to strike with the new ball, Boult has been the spearhead of New Zealand’s bowling attack for over a decade. Whether it’s Tests, ODIs, T20Is, or even the IPL, Boult has carved out a reputation as one of the most reliable and dangerous bowlers in the world.
In this deep dive, let’s walk through Trent Boult’s journey — from his early beginnings to his stellar stats, his IPL stints, and why he’s considered one of the finest left-arm fast bowlers of his generation.
Early Life and Background
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Full Name: Trent Alexander Boult
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Born: July 22, 1989 (35 years old)
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Birthplace: Rotorua, New Zealand
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Height: 1.80m
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Role: Bowler
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Batting Style: Right-Handed Bat
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Bowling Style: Left-arm fast-medium
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Country: New Zealand
Boult’s journey started in Rotorua, but it was in Tauranga where his cricketing talent truly flourished. By his teenage years, he was already recognized as one of the brightest left-arm prospects in the country. His smooth run-up and ability to swing the ball late made him stand out.
Trent Boult: A Bowler First, A Handy Batter Second
Although primarily known for his lethal bowling, Boult has also provided some entertaining moments with the bat. His adventurous lower-order hitting, especially in Tests, has earned him a reputation as a tail-ender who can frustrate bowling attacks.
Batting Career Stats
Test Cricket
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Matches: 78
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Innings: 94
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Runs: 759
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Highest Score: 52
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Average: 15.81
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Strike Rate: 60.05
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50s: 1 | 100s: 0
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Fours: 82 | Sixes: 30
Takeaway: Boult might not be a consistent scorer, but his half-century against Bangladesh remains memorable. He’s also known for cheeky sixes that bring fans to their feet.
ODIs
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Matches: 114
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Runs: 216
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Highest Score: 21
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Average: 9.00
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Strike Rate: 77.42
Takeaway: With the bat in ODIs, Boult’s role is minimal, but his job is to hang around at the end — and occasionally swing hard.
T20Is
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Matches: 61
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Runs: 58
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Highest Score: 16
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Average: 8.29
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Strike Rate: 90.63
Takeaway: In the shortest format, Boult rarely gets much time with the bat, but his bowling more than makes up for it.
IPL
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Matches: 119
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Runs: 85
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Highest Score: 17
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Average: 9.44
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Strike Rate: 104.94
Takeaway: Boult’s batting in the IPL has been limited, but his primary job — striking early with the ball — is where he shines brightest.
Bowling Career Stats
Now, let’s get to the part where Boult truly excels — his bowling.
Test Cricket
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Matches: 78
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Wickets: 317
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Best Bowling: 6/30
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Bowling Average: 27.50
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Economy: 3.00
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Five-Wicket Hauls: 10 | Ten-Wicket Hauls: 1
Analysis: Boult’s partnership with Tim Southee became one of the most feared new-ball pairs in Test cricket. His ability to swing the ball in seaming conditions is legendary.
ODIs
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Matches: 114
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Wickets: 211
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Best Bowling: 7/34
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Bowling Average: 24.39
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Economy: 5.00
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Five-Wicket Hauls: 6
Analysis: Boult has been a match-winner for New Zealand in ODIs, particularly in World Cups. His 7/34 against West Indies is among the best ODI bowling figures ever recorded.
T20Is
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Matches: 61
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Wickets: 83
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Best Bowling: 4/13
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Bowling Average: 21.43
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Economy: 7.68
Analysis: Boult isn’t just a Test bowler — he’s adapted brilliantly to T20s, delivering in powerplays and death overs with equal effectiveness.
IPL
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Matches: 119
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Wickets: 143
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Best Bowling: 4/18
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Average: 26.20
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Economy: 8.38
Analysis: Boult’s IPL record speaks volumes. He’s been crucial in delivering early breakthroughs for franchises like Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, and Rajasthan Royals. His spell in the 2020 IPL final, where he dismantled Delhi’s top order, remains unforgettable.
Career Timeline
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Test Debut: December 9, 2011, vs Australia at Bellerive Oval
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Last Test: June 23, 2022, vs England at Headingley
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ODI Debut: July 11, 2012, vs West Indies at Warner Park
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Last ODI: November 15, 2023, vs India at Wankhede Stadium
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T20I Debut: February 9, 2013, vs England at Eden Park
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Last T20I: June 17, 2024, vs Papua New Guinea at Brian Lara Stadium
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IPL Debut: April 11, 2015, vs Chennai Super Kings at MA Chidambaram Stadium
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Last IPL Match: June 1, 2025, vs Punjab Kings at Narendra Modi Stadium
Career Highlights & Memorable Moments
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2015 Cricket World Cup: Boult was the joint-highest wicket-taker with 22 wickets, helping New Zealand reach their first-ever World Cup final.
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2019 World Cup Final: His consistency with the new ball nearly delivered New Zealand their maiden title. Despite the heartbreaking finish, Boult’s performances were top-class.
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Test Success at Home: Boult has dominated visiting teams in New Zealand with his ability to exploit swing-friendly conditions.
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IPL 2020 Champion: Playing for Mumbai Indians, Boult’s early breakthroughs were pivotal in their title run.
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Partnership with Southee: Together, Boult and Tim Southee formed one of the deadliest new-ball pairs in world cricket.
Also Read : Angelo Mathews Profile – Age, Career Info & Stats
What Makes Trent Boult Special?
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Lethal Swing: Few bowlers swing the ball as late and as accurately as Boult.
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Consistency: Over a decade of international cricket, Boult has been remarkably consistent across formats.
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Big-Game Player: Whether in World Cups or IPL knockouts, Boult thrives under pressure.
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Adaptability: From Test whites to IPL lights, Boult has proven himself in every format.
The Legacy of Trent Boult
Boult’s career is not just about numbers. It’s about impact. For a generation of fans, Boult embodies New Zealand’s rise as a consistent cricketing powerhouse. His ability to lead the attack, deliver in crunch games, and inspire teammates has made him a legend of Kiwi cricket.
Even as he enters the later stages of his career, Boult remains a force to be reckoned with. Young pacers in New Zealand look up to him as the perfect role model — hardworking, disciplined, and always striving to improve.
Conclusion
Trent Boult isn’t just another fast bowler. He’s an artist with the ball, a master of swing, and a player who has brought countless moments of joy to cricket fans worldwide. From his fiery spells in Tests to his wicket-taking bursts in ODIs and T20s, Boult’s name will always be etched among the greats of modern fast bowling.
As New Zealand cricket continues to evolve, Boult’s contributions — both past and future — will be remembered as pivotal in shaping the team’s journey on the world stage.
