Young swing bowler Trent Boult’s big-match temperament will be put challenged again when he leads the New Zealand bowling attack against South Africa in the second Test beginning on Friday in Port Elizabeth.
The 23-year-old left-armer emerged from the Black Caps’ disastrous first Test loss with some encouraging figures, taking 3-78 as the Proteas cruised to an innings and 27-run win.
As well as picking up Jacques Kallis for 60, Boult also removed century maker Alviro Petersen and Dean Elgar (21).
“I definitely live to get the big players out,” Boult said.
“It’s a great challenge – I always look forward to coming up against those bigger players and testing myself against them.”
Boult will team up with Doug Bracewell, who’s played 14 Tests for New Zealand, and the vastly experienced Chris Martin, at the end of a long and distinguished career of 71 Tests.
He said having that ability and experience alongside him made a big difference, as New Zealand looked to work their way back from a humiliating loss inside three days at Cape Town in the first Test.
“I’m only nine or 10 Tests into it but to be leading the attack is pretty special,” he said.
“I’ve grown a lot. Although it’s only a handful of international fixtures, I’ve made pretty big strides in developing as a bowler.
“Being at this level and playing this standard of cricket is where you learn it all … It’s a huge learning curve, but you’ve got to learn or you’re going to sink.”
The different conditions and wicket at St Georges Park in Port Elizabeth would hopefully mean a better chance of swinging the new ball, something Boult said would play a crucial part if the Black Caps were to have any chance of pushing South Africa.
Another important aspect was improved patience and consistency from the bowling attack, something Boult agreed was lacking in their first outing.
“To be successful, you need to be pretty consistent in the areas you’re hitting, and how you’re going about your bowling plans.
“Their record’s testament to how good they are … they’re just so good at putting away the bad balls, so we’ve got to be pretty limited in how many of those we dish up.”