Boult eager to face Aussie ‘challenge’

New Zealand

New Zealand fast bowler Trent Boult says he's beyond excited to get back on the park and take on Australia next month, having missed three months of cricket with a back injury.

Boult was rested for the tour to Zimbabwe and South Africa, and hasn't played much cricket since June when a potential stress fracture in his lower back was diagnosed, But he's raring to go for the three Tests in Oz.

The paceman is looking forward to seeing what the Aussies will dish up, given their recent glut of retirements, and while he doesn't think they will be weak as such, he hopes the challenge will go the Kiwis' way.

Boult said on the Black Caps' website: "I can't remember the last time that I had three months off from cricket it has been nice to get away from the game and get my body right. I am champing at the bit to get back into it.

"Taking on our friendly neighbours across the ditch in their conditions, it doesn't get any better than that in terms of a challenge.

"The fact that it is a three-Test series as part of the five for the summer is even better.

"They have an incredible record at home and even though there will be some new faces, they will come into their set-up and expect to perform straight away.

"The depth of Australian cricket has always been their strength, so it is up to us to start well and put them under pressure."

The third Test, at the end of November, will be played under lights and with a pink ball, a first for Test cricket. Boult has been doing a bit of training with the controversial ball, and his reaction is mixed.

He said: "It feels like a hockey ball or an indoor cricket ball coming out of the hand. I was able to get it to swing a bit, but I haven't bowled with it at night yet.

"It is exciting, and it's going to be great to be part of history. There are a lot of people already talking about it and the interest is only going to grow as we get closer to Adelaide."

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