Abu Dhabi, 12 November: Trent Boult believes the fading influence of swing bowling has changed the job of a fast bowler in modern white-ball cricket, forcing pacers to keep reinventing themselves against ever more aggressive batters.
The 37-year-old New Zealand left-armer, who was part of the Mumbai Indians squad in the 2026 IPL season, is playing for Emirates Eagles in the 2026 Abu Dhabi T10 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium. He spoke after helping his side to a win.
‘Move with the times’
“The ball probably doesn’t swing as much as it used to,” Boult said. “You see some big scores around the world. Ten years ago, did we think that would happen? No, but I’m not sure where that’s going to take the game.”
“Given the position of white-ball cricketers these days, the ball only swings for what feels like a minimal time. So, as you play so much cricket, I think you have to try and find new ways to be effective, try to improve, try to keep making yourself a better player, and just move with the times,” he explained. “It doesn’t always go to plan, but I like to be creative at the death with certain deliveries and try to stay ahead of the batter.”
Boult, who began as a new-ball specialist before developing into a death-overs bowler, said he still loves the skill that made his name. “I fell in love with swing bowling. I’ve always idolised guys that can move the ball around. So when there is the opportunity to make the most of the ball swinging around, I try to capture that with both hands and showcase my skills. Hopefully, I still get a few more opportunities to do that.”
Dot balls in a 60-ball game
In the ten-over format, Boult said success is not always measured in wickets. “In a 60-ball game, one or two dot balls here and there play a massive role,” he said, adding that he tries not to celebrate too much “because I know I’m only one or two maximums away from it going completely wrong.”
Asked whether he had worked out franchise cricket, he replied: “Definitely not. I’ve definitely had some days in the sun, but some days haven’t gone to plan as well. I’ve been lucky enough to do it for a long time.”
A joke about Pollard and praise for Henry
Boult also joked about his recent contest with Kieron Pollard, newly appointed head coach of Mumbai Indians. “One of them could be my coach (Kieron Pollard). Well, hopefully he’ll be my coach. I had a point to remind him of,” he said. “I wish I’d got him out, of course. But in the T10 format, anything can happen.”
Asked to name the best new-ball bowler in the game today, he backed his compatriot Matt Henry. “His ability to move the ball around on any surface – and if there’s a new ball, I’d love to see him bowl it.”
“My way of enjoying it is to try to play with a smile on my face,” Boult added. The tenth edition of the Abu Dhabi T10, featuring six franchises, runs at the Zayed Cricket Stadium until 20 November.
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