Unwell Trent Boult skips day 2 of training camp at Bay Oval

New Zealand fast bowler Trent Boult on Monday (July 20) skipped the 2nd day of New Zealand’s training camp at the Bay Oval. It is understood that Boult, who was feeling unwell decided to stay away as a precaution.

Boult’s teammate and veteran batsman Ross Taylor said he is hopeful of the pacer’s return to training. The training camp began on July 19 and will end on July 24.

“I think he’s just tired from his eight overs bowling at us yesterday. Obviously, with what’s going around, you’ve got to be a bit smart around things like that. Hopefully, he’s fine and raring to go tomorrow,” Taylor was quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

New Zealand Cricket arranged a training camp for men and women players based out of North Island. Boult and Taylor were among the eight players who attended the first half of the North camp. The second half of the six-day camp will feature another eight players including Martin Guptill, Lockie Ferguson, Jimmy Neesham. etc. The camp will enable 16 men and 7 women Kiwi cricketers to train together and get a feel of the playing turf. A tent has been set up over the outdoor nets so that players could train irrespective of the weather.

Last week, a similar training camp was also organised for players from the South Island. New Zealand’s bowling coach Shane Jurgensen, who’s currently at Mount Maunganui, was also present at the camp down south. Jurgensen gave a sneak peek into the training routine of the players in the times of Covid-19.

“We’re trying to adjust to potential new rules, in my department, with the bowling,” he said.

“We’ve got to look after the ball in a different way now, we’ve got to come up with some new deliveries. So this week’s been a good starting point.”

This winter, NZC has scheduled a total of six camps, three each in the North and South Island.